The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency ZCSA says it is consulting various stakeholders on the proposed declaration of more than 40 new Zambian Standards as Compulsory Standards.
This follows the successful completion of the drafting process of the 41 proposed standards aimed at enhancing consumer and environmental protection.
“Among the proposed compulsory standards are industrial goods, food products, solar equipment, construction materials, fertilizer and packaging materials,” said ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba.
Mr. Maamba said in a statement to RCV News in Lusaka today, that the agency will widen the scope of its regulatory intervention and enhance protection of consumers, by having more compulsory standards.
“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,” said Mr. Maamba.
He said stakeholders engaged include both private and public sector players in sectors under consideration, among others.
Mr. Maamba said ZCSA provided an overview of the draft Compulsory Standards and their potential impact and also received input through discussions where stakeholders shared comments, concerns and suggestions with the aim of refining the regulations before being finalized.
“The process of developing new Standards as Compulsory is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2024,” said Mr. Maamba.
He said the consultations considered the proposed amendment of the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 and the proposed Small and Medium Enterprise fees structure.
Mr. Maamba said 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.
By Michelo Hachizibe
