Zambia, S’Africa standard bureaus partner to promote trade

The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and South Africa Bureau of Standards Commercial (SABS) have signed an agreement to promote trade between the two countries.

ZABS Executive Director, Nathan Sing’ambwa, and SABS Commercial Chief Executive Officer, Sadhvir Bissoon, signed on behalf of their respective institutions.

After signing the agreement on Wednesday in South Africa, Sing’ambwa said the objectives of the agreement included co-operation in the area of services offered by ZABS and SABS commercial to promote trade.

He explained that the scope included the promotion of quality in products and services.

“Both Zambia and South Africa are signatories to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade that recognises that the development of trade and investment was essential to the economic integration of the community,” Sing’ambwa said.

He stated that the SADC Protocol encouraged member states to promote the compatibility of standards and conformity assessment procedures maintained in their territory.

Sing’ambwa explained that ZABS and SABS Commercial would draw inspiration and rely on the provisions of the Protocol and any other relevant agreements applicable to regulate their partnership.

“ZABS and SABS Commercial agreed to cooperate in the area of conformity assessment and accreditation,” he said.

Sing’ambwa added that the two parties would ensure the control of the quality of products, apply uniform standards and procedures for the inspection and testing of goods and systems so that the results may be more easily interpreted and coordinated.

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He further said the parties undertook to participate in regional and international proficiency testing schemes and inter-laboratory comparisons and mutual recognition of each other’s accredited laboratories.

Sing’ambwa stated that Zambia and South Africa were adopting international quality management system standards and developing capacities for the assurance of the quality of products traded between both parties’ countries.

“ZABS and SABS Commercial will facilitate or undertake any pre-shipment inspection of designated products traded between the two countries,” he said.

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