Traders under Watch



ZCSA tightens inspections at Zambia International Trade Fair amid concerns over non-compliant products

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (2-07-2026) — Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency has tightened inspections at the Zambia International Trade Fair to detect possible presence of suspected non-compliant products among unscrupulous traders coming to do business at the fair.

Brian Hatyoka, Manager – Communications and Public Relations at the Agency, told Zambia24 in an exclusive statement from the Zambia Trade Fair in Ndola that the intensified inspections are aimed at strengthening compliance with compulsory standards and ensuring that only safe products reach consumers.

He said about 20 people, including judges for the Zambia International Trade Fair, visited the ZCSA stand located within the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry One Stop Shop on July 1, 2026, at the ongoing trade fair in Ndola.

Hatyoka said during the engagement, members of the public raised concerns that some suppliers and traders may be taking advantage of the platform to display unregistered, expired, banned, and otherwise questionable products.

He said the public urged the Agency to conduct spot-check inspections within the trade fair premises to identify and remove non-compliant goods from circulation.

Hatyoka added that concerns were also raised over continued circulation of substandard products on the market, including unregistered potable spirits with excessive alcohol content, which participants said pose serious risks to consumer health and safety.

He said members of the public further called on the Agency to strengthen enforcement by prosecuting traders and suppliers who repeatedly supply substandard products.

He argued that punitive measures would deter future violations and improve compliance.

Hatyoka said the Agency has taken note of the concerns raised and remains committed to ensuring that only safe and compliant products are supplied to consumers, including within the trade fair environment.

He said inspectors will be deployed across exhibition stands to check the compliance status of products under compulsory standards.

Hatyoka warned that any products found to be non-compliant will be restricted, seized, or withdrawn from circulation in line with regulatory procedures aimed at protecting consumers and the environment.

He further urged suppliers and traders to ensure they register with ZCSA or obtain approval before introducing their products to the market.

He stressed that only compliant goods should be supplied in order to safeguard public health, consumer safety, and environmental protection.

Hatyoka also advised consumers to remain vigilant and purchase products only from trusted and reputable outlets.

He encouraged members of the public to be product safety conscious when making purchasing decisions.

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