ZCSA Operationalises 41 New Compulsory Standards to Enhance Consumer Protection and Industrial Competitiveness
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has officially operationalised 41 new compulsory standards, marking a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection, ensuring product safety, and promoting industrial competitiveness in the country.
Speaking during the launch held at Urban Hotel in Lusaka, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga described the development as “a milestone in Zambia’s regulatory journey.” He said the new standards would protect consumers, ensure fair trade practices, and hold industries accountable for the quality and safety of their products.
“This is a momentous milestone in our quest towards enhanced consumer protection,” said Mr Chizinga. “The new mandatory standards represent our collective commitment to ensuring that every Zambian has access to safe products.”
The launch follows Statutory Instrument No. 20 of 2025, issued on 9 May by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, which expanded the list of compulsory standards from 61 to 102. The newly operationalised standards cover a wide range of products, including solar equipment, packaging materials, construction materials, food products, energy drinks, table wines, fish and milk products, engine oils, and tomato products.
Mr Chizinga noted that the development process began three years ago and involved extensive consultations with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Since its inception in 2018, ZCSA has expanded its oversight from 60 to 102 products, a development he described as “a game-changer for consumer safety and industry accountability.”
To ensure effective implementation, ZCSA has trained enforcement officers and empowered journalists to educate the public on the importance of standards in English and local languages. “This two-pronged approach, enforcement and education, is essential in enhancing compliance among market players and protecting consumers,” he said.
He urged manufacturers, importers, and suppliers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements, assuring them of the agency’s technical support during enforcement.
ZCSA Board Chairperson Ian Besa Mupeta commended the initiative, describing it as a major step in ensuring that products and services in Zambia meet essential safety, health, and environmental requirements.
“These new compulsory standards mark a significant stride in improving consumer welfare,” said Mr Mupeta. “They will protect consumers, safeguard public health, promote environmental conservation, and enhance Zambia’s competitiveness in local and international trade.”
He added that the agency would continue engaging the Ministry of Commerce to expand the number of products under compulsory standards, ensuring that citizens remain protected and industries maintain high-quality output.
Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga hailed the operationalisation as a key milestone in Zambia’s drive towards industrial transformation and sustainable economic growth.
“These standards are not just regulatory tools but instruments of transformation,” he said. “They protect consumers, promote innovation, and encourage investment in quality production.”
Minister Mulenga emphasised that the standards will help safeguard public health and strengthen Zambia’s position in regional and global trade. “Compliance is not only a legal obligation, it is a business advantage,” he said. “To consumers, these standards are your shield, guaranteeing that what you buy, eat, and use meets the quality and safety you deserve.”
He further commended ZCSA for expanding the number of products under compulsory standards by 65 per cent, from 61 to 102, describing it as a clear demonstration of Zambia’s commitment to consumer safety and economic competitiveness.
“May this launch mark the beginning of a new chapter in Zambia’s industrial and commercial transformation,” Minister Mulenga declared, as he officially launched the new compulsory standards.
