ZCSA Prepares Staff to Enforce 41 New Mandatory Standards

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has begun training its staff to enforce 41 newly introduced compulsory standards, aiming to enhance consumer protection and safeguard the environment.

The new standards cover a wide range of products, including solar devices, food and packaging materials, carbon steel bars, fish and fish products, energy drinks, milk and dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, table wines, and tomato products, among others.

ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the initiative is in response to the growing number and complexity of products on the market, highlighting the need for increased oversight to protect public health and safety.

“The training is part of preparatory activities ahead of enforcement, which is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2025 following extensive stakeholder engagement,” Mr Chizinga said during a workshop held in Lusaka on 8 September.

He noted that until now, ZCSA regulated only 61 products under compulsory standards, a figure considered low given the diversity of products available. The new standards will significantly expand the Agency’s regulatory reach.

Mr Chizinga added that ZCSA will engage stakeholders, including the media, to raise awareness about the new standards. The move follows the issuance of Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 20 of 2025 by the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry on 9 May 2025, which declared the additional 41 standards as compulsory.