ZCSA implores chain stores to familiarize themselves with mandatory compulsory standards

Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has urged operators of trading outlets to familiarize themselves with mandatory compulsory standards that govern imported and locally manufactured products in a bid to ensure that only compliant goods are sold on the market.

ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, was established by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, to administer, maintain and enforce compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety, health, consumer and environmental protection.

Speaking in Lusaka during an engagement meeting with representatives from chain stores, Agency Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga emphasized that importers and manufacturers of goods that are covered by compulsory standards need to meet requirements of the compulsory standards relating to their products of choice, for them to be legally supplied on the market, in accordance with the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.

He added that consumer protection is not just a role of government Agencies alone but that suppliers of products covered by Compulsory Standards must also play a part by only supplying safe items on the market.

“ZCSA considers suppliers of various products that are covered by Compulsory Standards as key stakeholders,” Mr. Chizinga stated.

He said the meeting provided the market players an opportunity to appreciate the regulations which they are supposed to comply with when procuring products from different sources.

And Choppies Buyer, Felix Chitwamali commended the Agency for engaging different business operators on compulsory standards.

“The information shared will supplement internal compliance controls of sourcing and supplying products which meet the minimum standards,” Mr. Chitwamali said.