THE Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) plans to introduce a regulatory mark on certified products to help consumers easily distinguish safe and compliant goods from substandard ones, the agency has announced.
ZCSA executive director Gerald Chizinga said the mark will be rolled out as part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection, particularly for rural and vulnerable populations who may struggle to identify unsafe products on the market.
“Currently, many products such as bottled water do not have a clear mark showing certification.”
“Once the regulatory mark is implemented, even consumers in rural areas will be able to identify compliant products,” Chizinga said during the agency’s end-of-year media briefing in Lusaka this morning.
He added that the regulatory mark will complement enhanced market surveillance and public education activities aimed at reducing the circulation of unsafe goods.
Meanwhile, the Agency revealed that in 2025 alone, ZCSA withdrew 5,663 non-compliant products from the market and 14,121 products were quarantined or restricted pending further verification, with bottled water, dishwashing liquid, fertilisers, potable spirits and sugar accounting for the largest volumes.
Chizinga said the total value of withdrawn products in 2025 was estimated at K440,645.89, a sharp decline from K818,039.19 recorded in 2024.
He attributed the reduction to enhanced compliance levels.
Beyond product seizures and withdrawals, ZCSA said it will prosecute offenders who repeatedly violate compulsory standards.
“Where education and enforcement fail, prosecution remains an option under the law,” Chizinga said.
ZCSA said the regulatory mark, combined with stricter enforcement and public education, is expected to significantly improve product safety and consumer confidence in 2026 and beyond.
Kalemba December 30, 2025
