Stronger Compliance in Q1

ZMA boosts inspections and enforcement under “Fairness in Trade Under ZMA Watch”

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia — (12-05-2026) - The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has recorded stronger compliance and improved verification results in the first quarter of 2026, as it intensified inspections under its programme Fairness in Trade Under ZMA Watch.

ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said the Agency, established under the Metrology Act, regulates measurements in trade, health, safety, environmental protection, and industry.

He said accurate measurement is essential for fairness in fuel sales, food weighing, and industrial production, even though it is often unnoticed.

He said under Fairness in Trade Under ZMA Watch, ZMA verified 12,719 measuring instruments, including 8,759 in the petroleum sector, achieving 83 percent of its target. Inspections covered fuel stations, retail scales, and industrial equipment.

Nkobeni said compliance levels were strong. He noted 94.2 percent compliance in manufacturing facilities, 93.5 percent among entities handling measuring instruments, 96.3 percent for imported goods, and 100 percent compliance for imported instruments.

However, he said some non-compliance was detected, mainly among small-scale operators. He said ZMA will increase inspections and enforcement in the next quarter under the same programme.

He said the Agency took action against six non-compliant entities and handled 12 consumer complaints involving incorrect measurements and underweight products. All cases were resolved through re-verification, quarantine of products, and enforcement measures.

Nkobeni said ZMA is also working with the Energy Regulation Board, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, and Zambia Revenue Authority to strengthen joint inspections.

He said a key milestone was the onboarding of Legal Metrology Services onto the Government Service Bus, which will improve efficiency and transparency.

He also said ZMA signed a mutual recognition agreement with Tanzania to improve cross-border verification of petroleum products.

Nkobeni said ZMA approved four new measuring instrument models in line with international OIML standards to ensure accuracy and fairness in trade.

He added that ZMA now has six accredited laboratories after its Electrical Laboratory was certified under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by SADCAS. The labs cover mass, volume, pressure, temperature, dimensional, and electrical measurements.

He said accreditation confirms the Agency’s technical competence and ensures reliable measurement results.

Nkobeni said ZMA will intensify inspections during the grain marketing season to protect farmers and ensure fair weighing by buyers and millers. He urged traders to use certified equipment.

He thanked the media for promoting accountability and confirmed that the Zambia Media Awards will continue annually. He also announced Zambia’s participation in World Metrology Day on 20 May 2026 in Lusaka under the theme “Metrology: Building Trust in Policymaking.”

He said Fairness in Trade Under ZMA Watch will continue guiding the Agency’s work on consumer protection, fair trade, and economic trust.