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The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has appealed to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to facilitate the issuance of a Statutory Instrument that would allow the agency to implement distinctive marks to help consumers identify compliant products on the market.
ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, said the instrument was essential for enforcing provisions under the Compulsory Standards Act and protecting consumers from substandard goods.
He made the remarks in Lusaka when the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya visited the agency’s head office as part of her familiarisation tour.
The information was contained in a joint statement issued by ZCSA Communications Manager, Brian Hatyoka and Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankala.
Chizinga said Zambia currently lacked adequate testing facilities for both imported and domestically manufactured products. He noted that while the number of products covered by compulsory standards had increased from 60 in 2018 to 102 in 2026, some products still could not be tested locally due to limited capacity.
He appealed for support to expand ZCSA’s testing capabilities, saying products inspected and tested by the agency were safe and reliable for both local and international markets.
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Chizinga also said ZCSA had the potential to surpass its non-tax revenue collection target of K840 million this year and reach K1 billion next year if adequately funded and equipped.
Meanwhile, Bwalya commended ZCSA for its contribution to private sector growth and the national treasury. She said the agency played a critical role in ensuring that products and services met compulsory standards relating to safety, quality and reliability.
“We have noted that ZCSA is one of the institutions which support private sector growth and contributes to the national treasury. Together, let us continue advancing the mandate of the Government,” she said.
Bwalya said the Ministry would seek Treasury support from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to increase staffing levels at border posts, noting the government’s plan to roll out a 24-hour economy.
She said the Ministry aimed to conclude the introduction of the 24-hour economic framework, which is part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s wider vision to boost productivity, create jobs and align Zambia with global economic practices.
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