Govt undertakes consultantions on expanding scope of compulsory standards for products

Government is currently consulting various stakeholders on the proposed declaration of over 40 new Zambian Standards as Compulsory Standards.

This is being conducted by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA).

Among the proposed compulsory standards are industrial goods, food products, solar equipment, construction materials, fertilizer and packaging materials.

ZCSA Public Relations Officer, Onishas Maamba, said this followed the successful completion of the drafting process of the 41 proposed standards aimed at enhancing consumer and environmental protection.

Maamba in a statement issued on Thursday explained that by having more compulsory standards, the agency would widen the scope of its regulatory intervention and enhance protection of consumers.

“During the course of last week, ZCSA engaged stakeholders from various sectors of the economy to gather valuable insights and feedback on the proposed declaration of Zambian Standards as Compulsory Standards.Stakeholders engaged include both private and public sector players in sectors under consideration, among others.

“During the consultations, ZCSA provided an overview of the draft Compulsory Standards and their potential impacta nd also received input through constructive discussions where stakeholders shared comments, concerns and suggestions with the aim of refining the regulations before being finalised,” he said.

Further, Maamba said, the consultations considered the proposed amendment of the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 and the proposed Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) fees structure.

He noted that the process of developing new Standards as Compulsory was expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2024.

“Currently, ZCSA regulates 61 imported and locally manufactured products falling within the scope of Compulsory Standards covering food products, Beverages, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Cement and Household Electrical appliances, among others.

“The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency is a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry established by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 to administer, maintain and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety, health, consumer and environmental protection,” Maamba said.

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