By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Protecting consumers from unsafe and substandard products is not merely a regulatory obligation but a critical investment in Zambia’s public health, economic stability, and national development.
It is against this backdrop that the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has sustained enforcement actions aimed at removing unsafe and non-compliant products from the domestic market.
ZCSA’s enforcement drive seeks not only to protect consumers but also to promote compliance and raise awareness among manufacturers, importers, and traders on the importance of adhering to compulsory standards.
The Agency, however, does not regulate all products on the Zambian market. Its mandate is limited to enforcing compliance with Compulsory Standards covering 102 imported and locally manufactured products, in line with the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
These standards are designed to safeguard public health and safety, protect consumers, and preserve the environment.
Products regulated by ZCSA include food and beverages, solar and electrical products, chemicals, construction and packaging materials, petroleum products, fertilizers, fuel, used motor vehicles, used textiles, and household electrical appliances, among others.
Through routine inspections and targeted operations, ZCSA monitors goods at border posts, warehouses, and retail outlets to ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements. Products found to be non-compliant are seized, while offenders are guided on corrective measures in accordance with the law.
During enforcement activities conducted in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2025, ZCSA seized and destroyed assorted non-compliant products valued at K520,357.
According to the Agency, the seized items included expired, banned, unregistered, substandard, and poorly packaged products, as well as goods illegally supplied on the market—posing serious risks to public health and safety.
Among the destroyed products were shoe polish, male latex condoms, clear beer, fruit-flavoured drinks, potable spirits, crude vegetable oil, peanut butter, biscuits, packaged drinking water, and used underwear.
Stakeholders, including the Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ), have applauded ZCSA for its decisive action, noting that the removal and destruction of non-compliant products is critical to safeguarding public health, consumer safety, and environmental protection.
Speaking in an interview, MQHZ Director General, Dr. Quince Mwabu, that the circulation of expired, contaminated, unregistered, or substandard products presents serious and sometimes life-threatening public health risks.
He explained that expired food products and poorly processed consumables can lead to food-borne illnesses such as diarrhoeal diseases and food poisoning, which disproportionately affect children, older persons, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
“Substandard or unregistered condoms are particularly concerning because they compromise protection against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies,” Dr. Mwabu said.
“The presence of such products on the market undermines national HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health efforts, threatening the progress made in reducing new infections and improving health outcomes.”
Dr. Mwabu emphasized that consumer awareness of the dangers associated with substandard and unregulated products is critical.
“Beyond regulatory enforcement, consumers must be encouraged to buy from reputable and authorized suppliers, check for relevant certification or quality marks, and report suspected unsafe or non-compliant products to the relevant authorities.
These actions are essential in preventing harm and supporting market surveillance,” he added.
He further underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting product quality and safety, stating that manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers all have a role to play in upholding standards.
“By aligning the efforts of government regulators, civil society, and industry stakeholders, Zambia can build a resilient system that prioritizes health, protects consumers, and strengthens confidence in locally available goods—ultimately supporting broader national development objectives,” Dr. Mwabu stressed.
Similarly, the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has called for intensified consumer education, stating that unsafe and illegal products continue to find buyers largely due to economic pressures, low awareness, and the difficulty many consumers face in distinguishing compliant from non-compliant goods.
In an interview, ZACA Executive Secretary Juba Sakala observed that affordability often drives purchasing decisions, particularly in informal markets, where consumers may be unaware of compulsory standards, certification marks, expiry dates, or the risks associated with banned or poorly packaged products.
“In some cases, misleading packaging and counterfeit branding further confuse consumers,” Mr. Sakala said.
He urged ZCSA and other stakeholders to strengthen consumer education initiatives, while also sensitizing traders and suppliers, whom he described as critical links in the supply chain.
“ZACA also calls on communities to play an active role in consumer protection by reporting suspicious goods through accessible and toll-free channels. Community vigilance—supported by local authorities, traditional leaders, and civil society—is essential in preventing unsafe products from reaching households,” he added.
From an economic perspective, Economist Kelvin Chisanga warned that the circulation of substandard and illicit products undermines government revenue and distorts fair competition.
“In the macroeconomic context, non-compliance reduces tax revenue and negatively affects legitimate businesses.”
“Compliance brings long-term economic benefits by promoting high-quality products, supporting fair trade, improving competitiveness, and encouraging investment,” Mr. Chisanga stated.
ZCSA has continued to appeal to manufacturers, importers, and retailers to work closely with the Agency and prioritize quality assurance, stressing that consumer safety and fair trade remain central to its mandate.
