AAA Achieves International ISO 17020 Accreditation
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has congratulated Africa Automotive Analysis (AAA), a local motor vehicle inspection company operating at Nakonde border, for attaining international accreditation under ISO 17020 from the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
AAA, which partners with Auto Terminal Japan (ATJ), conducts roadworthiness inspections for used motor vehicles imported into Zambia under a pre-shipment inspection scheme implemented by ZCSA-appointed agents.
Speaking in Lusaka on Wednesday, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga described the achievement as a significant milestone that strengthens confidence in the firm’s inspection services.
Mr Chizinga said the attainment of ISO 17020 Category A accreditation demonstrates independent recognition of AAA’s inspection processes, helping to build trust among regulators, consumers and trade partners.
“This achievement reflects consistency in quality service delivery,” he said. “ZCSA encourages AAA to continue improving to maintain this accreditation, while keeping public safety and health, consumer protection and environmental protection at the forefront. We look forward to continued collaboration.”
The ZCSA Executive Director made the remarks when a delegation from AAA, led by its chairperson Isaac Kalua, presented the accreditation certificate during a courtesy call.
Dr Kalua said AAA is the first local company in Zambia to obtain ISO 17020 Category A accreditation from KENAS. He explained that the process took two years and involved specialised training for AAA experts in Japan and Dubai.
“We now have more Zambians qualified as motor vehicle inspectors operating from Nakonde,” he said, adding that the accreditation was achieved with support from ZCSA.
ZCSA enforces the Zambian Standard ZS 560, which provides a code of practice for the inspection and testing of used motor vehicles for roadworthiness. The standard is implemented through a pre-shipment inspection scheme conducted by appointed agents in exporting countries.
Under this system, all used motor vehicles destined for use in Zambia must meet the required safety inspection standards before export. The measure is aimed at minimising the risk of importing unsafe vehicles into the country.
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, operates under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017. Its mandate includes administering and enforcing compulsory standards to ensure public safety and health, as well as consumer and environmental protection.
