Zambia Compulsory Standards body, others move to dispose expired fertilizer valued at K32,400

About 36 × 50 kilogramme bags of expired Urea Fertiliser valued at K32,400 will be disposed off by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) this week.

The action would be conducted jointly with the Chongwe Municipal Council, following a Court Order issued on December 15, 2023 by Chongwe Magistrate’s Court.

This is contained in a joint press statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday by the Agency Head of Communications, Brian Hatyoka and Chongwe Municipa Council Public Relations Officer, Peter Sukwa.

Hatyoka and Sukwa said the disposal would be done in collaboration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).

The duo stated that this was to ensure compliance with the Environmental Management Act and avoid any adverse environmental impact, as required by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017.

“ZCSA seized Granular urea fertilizer on December 14, 2023 from Fumigate Zambia Limited and handed the non-compliant product to Chongwe Municipal Council,” they said.

Hatyoka and Sukwa stated that afterwards, the Council obtained a disposal order from the Magistrate Court.

The duo explained that the urea fertilizer was seized for contravening Section 16 of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 and the Zambian Standard ZS 605: Fertilizers- Urea Specification.

“Further, the expired fertilizer contravened the Public Health Act Cap 295 of the laws of Zambia,” they said.

Hatyoka and Sukwa warned of stern action against companies which were manufacturing and supplying products on the market in contravention of applicable laws.

The duo said this was because the safety of such products cannot be guaranteed and may pose a risk to public safety, health and the environment.

“The authorities will continue conducting joint enforcement activities in a bid to ensure that only safe products are allowed on the market,” they stated

Hatyoka and Sukwa urged onsumers to buy products from reputable sources and report any suspicious product to the nearest Agency office.

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