Standards bureau identifies 13 firms illegally using certification marks, sanctions to apply after 90 days

Thirteen manufacturing firms have been found wanting by the law for illegally using a certification mark on their products which is only issued by the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS).

This came to light through surveillance activities conducted by ZABS on the Copperbelt and part of Lusaka.

A 90-day grace period has, therefore, been given to these manufactures by ZABS to either normalise their business processes or immediately discontinue any use of quality marks that do not comply with the prescribed guidelines.

The bureau has, however, warned that failure to take corrective action during this grace period may result in more severe consequences.

This is according to Nathan Sing’ambwa, ZABS Executive Director in a statement issued on Friday.

Read more: Standards bureau calls for urgent creation of regional laboratory for mineral testing on the Copperbelt

Sing’ambwa said ZABS in June of this year-initiated surveillance activities through an internal team tasked with the responsibility of identifying products on the market that were wrongly using the mark.

He said the surveillance activities had so far been conducted on the Copperbelt and part of Lusaka. The surveillances would continue and extend to other parts of the Country.

“From the initial findings, a total of 13 companies were found to be using the ZABS quality mark illegally while from the surveillances conducted in part of Lusaka, 13 companies have been found to be using the mark illegally,” he said.

To address this issued, Sing’ambwa encouraged all manufacturers involved in the misuse of the quality marks to take corrective action voluntarily during the given grace period.

This, he explained, was a unique opportunity for resolution, transparency, and rebuilding trust with consumers and the market at large.

“We assure you that during this period, we will work with you to resolve any issues identified, and your cooperation will be met with understanding and support.

“It is however crucial to note that failure to take corrective action during this grace period may result in more severe consequences, including public disclosure of non-compliance, legal action, and potential damages to your brand’s reputation,” Sing’ambwa said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.