ZCSA Says Certification Can Help Zambian Products Access Export Markets

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says its inspection, testing and certification processes are intended to strengthen confidence in Zambian products and services and help compliant businesses access international markets.

ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the Agency has qualified technical officers who inspect and test products and services to ensure they meet applicable standards.

In a statement dated November 10, 2026, the Agency said Mr Chizinga also noted that ZCSA certification could eliminate the need for repeated inspections and testing, depending on the recognition of its certification by relevant markets.

Mr Chizinga was speaking in Lusaka in a speech delivered on his behalf by Acting Executive Director Brian Malangisha at the official opening of a five-day training programme on ISO/IEC 17020.

ISO/IEC 17020 is an international standard that sets requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of inspection bodies.

It provides a framework for organisations that inspect products, materials, installations, processes and services, helping to ensure that inspection activities are conducted reliably and that their results can be trusted by clients, regulators and other stakeholders.

According to ZCSA, the training is intended to equip newly recruited technical staff with the knowledge and skills required to conduct inspections in line with the standard. The programme is scheduled to conclude on Friday.

In his speech, Mr Chizinga said the Agency's inspection, testing and certification work was important both for consumer protection and for improving the competitiveness of Zambian products.

"Through rigorous inspection, testing, and certification processes, we ensure that Zambian products and services meet both local and international requirements," he said.

He added that the processes help safeguard consumers while enabling compliant products and services to compete in export markets.

Mr Chizinga said ZCSA was working to strengthen its technical capacity to administer compulsory standards and build confidence in Zambian products and services locally, regionally and internationally.

He described product safety and compliance with standards as important considerations in expanding export opportunities.

The Agency said it inspects and tests 102 imported and locally manufactured products covered by compulsory standards.

These include food products such as mealie meal, peanut butter, jams, cooking oil, wheat flour, biscuits, groundnuts, fruits and vegetables, tomato products, milk products, canned baby foods and packaged drinking water.

The list also covers fruit-flavoured drinks, opaque and clear beer, potable spirits, table wines and energy drinks.

Other regulated products include fertilisers, cement, fuel, packaging materials, household electrical appliances, school chalk, hair oils and creams, paints, used textile products, solar products, fish feed, animal feed, used motor vehicles, male condoms and lubricants.

ZCSA says its regulatory work is intended to protect public health and safety, consumers and the environment.

The Agency is a statutory body under the Ministry of Industry. Under the Compulsory Standards Act, Chapter 422 of the Laws of Zambia, it is mandated to administer, maintain and enforce compliance with compulsory standards.

The statement was issued by ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka.