ZCSA Key to Trade Standards


Agency ensures products meet compulsory standards, supporting private sector growth and consumer safety

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusala, Zambia24  --- (12-03-2026) --- Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry responsible for Commerce and Trade, Lillian S. Bwalya, has commended the (ZCSA) for supporting private sector growth and contributing significantly to the national treasury.

Mrs. Bwalya made the remarks in Lusaka on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) when she conducted a familiarization visit to ZCSA Head Office in Lusaka.


According to a joint statement issued by Everness Nankala, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and Brian Hatyoka,, Manager – Communications and Public Relations, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, the visit focused on the agency’s role in strengthening the private sector by ensuring that products and services meet compulsory standards for safety, quality, and reliability.

“We have noted that ZCSA is one of the institutions which support private sector growth and contributes to the national treasury. Together, let us continue advancing the mandate of the Government,” Mrs. Bwalya said.

Mrs. Bwalya added that there is a need to support the agency to increase staffing levels at the borders in view of the plans by the Government to introduce a 24-hour economy.

She said the Ministry would, through the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, , request the for Treasury support to have additional officers at the borders.

Mrs. Bwalya revealed that the Ministry was targeting to conclude the introduction of a 24-hour economy.

President Hakainde Hichilema, has proposed transforming Zambia into a 24-hour economy, stressing that it would boost productivity, create jobs, and align the country with global economic practices. His vision includes round-the-clock services, improved cross-border trade, and leveraging digital technology to streamline commerce.


Meanwhile, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga, bemoaned inadequate testing facilities for imported and locally manufactured products in the country.

Mr. Chizinga said although the number of products covered by compulsory standards had increased from 60 in 2018 to 102 in 2026, some products could not be tested locally due to inadequate testing capacity. He appealed for support in enhancing the agency’s testing capabilities.

He said products inspected and tested by ZCSA were safe, credible, and reliable not only in Zambia but in other markets as well.

Mr. Chizinga stressed that ZCSA had the potential to exceed the Non-Tax Revenue collection target of about K840 million this year and increase to K1 billion next year, given adequate funding and facilities.

He added, "We are appealing to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to assist us by facilitating the issuance of a Statutory Instrument (SI) for implementing distinctive marks, to enable consumers identify compliant products as provided for under the Compulsory Standards Act."



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