ZCSA Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Packaged Water
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has conducted a series of market surveillance inspections in Lusaka from March 13th to 15th, 2024 to ensure public safety and consumer protection.
The operation targeted the illegal sale of products falling under compulsory standards, with a particular focus on packaged water.
According to a statement issued by Brian Hatyoka, Head of Communications at ZCSA, the agency seized over 1000 cases of non-compliant packaged water valued at more than K84,000 during the operation.
The products were confiscated from various townships including Emmasdale, Industrial Area, Chipata, Kanyama, and others.
Mr. Hatyoka emphasized the importance of compliance with the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, stating that affected suppliers and manufacturers are now in the process of regularizing the licensing of their products to meet regulatory requirements.
The seized packaged water underwent rigorous testing by competent laboratories to ensure compliance with Zambian Standard ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water – Specification.
Mr. Hatyoka reiterated that products covered by compulsory standards, including bottled water, must adhere to regulatory requirements before being allowed on the market.
The agency highlighted the risks associated with unlicensed products, emphasizing the potential harm they pose to consumers’ safety.
Therefore, ZCSA is urging manufacturers to package bottled water in compliance with ZS 388 and obtain authorization from the agency before supplying products covered by compulsory standards.
Furthermore, ZCSA announced its intention to intensify enforcement activities on all regulated products to safeguard consumers’ safety. Currently, the agency regulates 61 imported and locally manufactured products across various sectors including food products, beverages, chemicals, fertilizers, cement, and household electrical appliances.
ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, was established with the mandate to administer, maintain, and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety, health, consumer, and environmental protection.
