FAQs

Your frequently asked questions answered

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Where is the ZCSA Head Office located?

 

Plot No. 5032, Great North Road, Lusaka.

Do you have satellite offices?

 ZCSA has 16 satellite offices; 9 in Provincial Towns (Chinsali, Kasama, Mansa, Ndola, Solwezi, Kabwe, Chipata, Choma, Mongu) and 7 main border posts (Nakonde, Chirundu, Chanida, Mwami, Victoria Falls, Kazungula, Katima Mulilo).

What products do you regulate?

The Agency regulates about 61 products whose standards have been declared compulsory by the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. These range from food, household chemicals, household electrical appliances, agriculture inputs and products, Refined Petroleum and petroleum products, Rubber, Construction, Motor vehicles and Textile.

Are there requirements/standards for these products?

ZCSA has guidance documents for the requirements of these products; documents include, The Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, Compulsory Standards, Statutory Instruments and permit conditions.

How do you regulate these products?

 These products are regulated using two schemes; the Domestic Quality Monitoring Scheme and Import Quality Monitoring Scheme.

Does ZCSA regulate the packaging and labelling of products on the market?

Yes, it does. The Agency inspects all products using Zambian Standard – ZS 033 (Part 1 and 2) which provides general guidelines for labelling and packaging for all products.

The information on the label must include among others; the name of the product; the list of ingredients; net content and drained weight; name and address of manufacturer; country of origin; lot identification system; date; marking and storage instructions; and instructions for use. Other requirements include; Quantitative labelling of ingredient composition, that is, the amount of each ingredient contained in the product; language shall be in English, other languages must be in addition to English; labels should be clear; an indication of durability of product i.e. best before date, date of expiry or use by date.

Any plans to increase the number of products covered by compulsory standards?

Plans are there to increase the list of products covered by compulsory standards. Currently there are 61 products covered by compulsory standards.

In 2023, the Agency recently completed the drafting of more than 50 new compulsory standards which include industrial goods and food products. The process of declaring the standards as compulsory standards will be completed by the second quarter of 2024.

How do you conduct conformity assessment?

Conformity assessments include document review, physical inspection of product and/process with reference to guidance documents; inspection in this case involves sampling and testing of product were applicable.

Reports for the outcome of Conformity Assessment are issued by the Agency.

Do you monitor domestically manufactured products?

Products manufactured in Zambia are monitored by the Agency so as to ensure their compliance to Compulsory Standards. Refer to the link for products that requires ZCSA clearance before being placed on the market.

How do you check the quality of imported products?

Imported products are checked at the main points of entry through the Import Quality Monitoring Scheme. Inspectors at the border points ensure that documents and goods are assessed before being allowed into the country.

Can I clear goods with ZCSA before they arrive in Zambia?

Yes goods can be pre-cleared with ZCSA, you can contact any of the border offices or head office. Ensure that you provide details of importer, product to be imported, brand, quantity, consignment value, country of origin, commercial invoice, laboratory test results from accredited laboratory.

What critical requirements should I adhere to when importing used textile?

Used textiles should be sourced and imported from a country that is free from any epidemic. The consignment for used textile should be accompanied with a fumigation certificate. Bales should be well labelled and packed in transparent.

What is a Standard/Compulsory Standard?

A Standard is a technical document designed to be used as a rule, guideline or definition.it is an agreed way of doing something. It is a document established by consensus and approved by a recognized body. It provides for common and repeated use, guidelines, rules and characteristics for activities or their results aimed at the achievement of optimum degree of order. A standard ensures consistency and sustainability in making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or supplying materials.

A Compulsory Standard is simply a Standard that has been declared compulsory under The Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 of the Laws of Zambia with which compliance is mandatory.

Do you investigate customer complaints?

The Agency investigates customer complaints for products whose standards are compulsory. Where a customer registers dissatisfaction for a product purchased, a complaint is reported and complaint documented. ZCSA inspectors/investigators conducts independent assessment of the product to determine if the alleged non-compliance/dissatisfaction of the product is authentic. Proof of purchase (receipt) and product will have to be availed to the Agency.

Do you work with other regulators?

ZCSA works in conjunction with other regulators in the enforcement of Compulsory Standards.

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