Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-21 02:13:23
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) recently took action to seize and withdraw over 1000 cases of non-compliant packaged water from the market in Lusaka, with a value exceeding K84,000. This move came after the Agency conducted rigorous open-market surveillance inspections in Lusaka from March 13 to 15, 2024, in a bid to crack down on the illegal sale of products that do not meet compulsory standards.
Affected suppliers and manufacturers have begun the process of regularizing the licensing of their products to align with the requirements of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017. The products were confiscated from various townships in Lusaka, including Emmasdale, Industrial Area, Chipata, Kanyama, Chawama, Town Centre, Kamwala South, 10 Miles, Ngwerere, Obama, and Waterfalls Townships.
The primary objective of this enforcement activity was to ensure that only safe products reach consumers, as unlicensed products have the potential to jeopardize consumer safety. The Agency undertakes inspections on both imported and locally produced packaged water to verify compliance with the Zambian Standard ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water – Specification. Competent laboratories conduct tests on the packaged water to ensure conformity with compulsory standard requirements before they can be allowed on the market.
It is emphasized that products covered by compulsory standards, such as bottled water, can only be sold once they adhere to regulatory requirements. No individual or entity is authorized to supply products covered by compulsory standards without the approval of the Agency. Moreover, the ZCSA consistently conducts post-market surveillance to uphold continued compliance with standards.
Manufacturers are urged to adhere to the compulsory Zambian Standard for Bottled Water ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water – Specification when packaging bottled water. They must also secure authorization from the Agency before distributing products covered by compulsory standards to safeguard consumer safety. Moving forward, the Agency plans to escalate enforcement activities on regulated products to ensure consumer safety.
Presently, the ZCSA monitors 61 imported and locally manufactured products falling within the purview of Compulsory Standards, encompassing food products, beverages, chemicals, fertilizers, cement, household electrical appliances, and more. The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017, to oversee, uphold, and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the betterment of public safety, health, consumer welfare, and environmental protection.
In conclusion, the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency is committed to maintaining a safe marketplace for consumers by rigorously enforcing compliance with compulsory standards. For further information or inquiries, please contact Brian Hatyoka, Head of Communications at the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
