The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has seized and withdrawn from the market more than 1000 cases of non-compliant packaged water in Lusaka valued at more than K84, 000.
This follows the Agency’s intensified open market surveillance inspections conducted in Lusaka from March 13 – 15, to curtail the illegal sale of products covered by compulsory standards.
“Some affected suppliers and manufacturers have since started the process of regularizing the licensing of the products in line with the requirements of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017,” says ZCSA Head of Communications Brian Hatyoka.
He said in a statement to RCV News in Lusaka today, that the products were seized in Emmasdale, Industrial Area, Chipata, Kanyama, Chawama, Town Centre, Kamwala South, 10 Miles, Ngwerere, Obama and Waterfalls Townships.
Mr. Hatyoka said the enforcement activity in Lusaka was aimed at ensuring that only safe products are supplied to consumers as unlicensed products have the potential of posing a risk to the safety of consumers.
“The Agency inspects both imported and locally produced packaged water to ensure compliance with the Zambian Standard ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water – Specification,” said Mr. Hatyoka.
He said the packaged water is tested by competent laboratories for compliance to requirements stipulated in the compulsory standard.
Mr. Hatyoka said products covered by compulsory standards, including Bottled Water, are only allowed on the market once they comply with the regulatory requirements.
“No one is legally allowed to supply any product covered by a compulsory standard without the authority of the Agency,” said Mr. Hatyoka.
Mr. Hatyoka said the Agency regularly conducts post market surveillance to ensure continued post market compliance.
“ZCSA is urging manufacturers to package bottled water in compliance with the compulsory Zambian Standard for Bottled Water ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water – Specification,” said Mr. Hatyoka.
Meanwhile Mr. Hatyoka said manufacturers must also obtain authority from the Agency before supplying products covered by compulsory standards on the market to safeguard the safety of consumers.
He said that the Agency will intensify enforcement activities on all regulated products to safeguard the safety of consumers.
“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,” said Mr. Hatyoka.
By Michelo Hachizibe.
