Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency to enforce 41 new standards from October

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has commenced equipping its staff with skills and knowledge to enforce 41 new compulsory standards aimed at enhancing consumer protection and safeguarding the environment.

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

According to ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, the training forms part of preparatory activities ahead of the implementation of the standards.

Opening a training workshop for ZCSA officers from across the country in Lusaka on Monday, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said enforcement of the new standards would begin on October 1, following consultations with stakeholders.

Chizinga explained that one of the Agency’s longstanding challenges has been the limited number of products regulated under compulsory standards.

“Currently, ZCSA only regulates 61 products under compulsory standards. This is low compared to the number and complexity of products available on the market,” he said.

He added that the Agency would engage various stakeholders, including the media, to raise public awareness on the new regulations.

On May 9, 2025, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry issued Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 20 of 2025, which declared the additional 41 standards as compulsory.

ZCSA, established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, is mandated to administer, maintain, and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the purposes of public safety and health, consumer protection, and environmental preservation.

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