The Zambia Bureau of Standards is one of the Statutory Bodies serving under the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry.

ZABS develop National Standards that are market driven, tests products on behalf of various clients such as regulators, manufacturers, importers, exporters, Government agencies and the general public. In addition, the Bureau offers product and systems certification to industry as well as training in various management systems standards.

The Certification services that ZABS offers include Product Certification where a product is issued with a quality mark that entails that a particular product has passed a performance and quality assurance test, and has met the requirements of the set standard. The Bureau also offers management systems certification which is a service provided that confirms that the organization or business carries out its activities in conformity with the requirements of international standards. ZABS has certified various products in the country that include food and beverages, chemical and chemical products, construction materials, leather products, engineering products to mention a few. Under the management systems certification, ZABS has certified companies in sectors such as Telecommunications, Construction, food and beverages, mining and engineering.

It has come to our knowledge that some manufacturers have been involved in the improper use of the ZABS certification or Quality marks on their products. This has been through affixing the mark onto the products even when they have not undergone the due process of certification. On the other hand, others will bring their products for testing at ZABS and once test reports are issued, they go ahead to affix the mark onto their products which is a wrong practice.

As responsible stakeholders in the industry, we understand the challenges that manufacturers face in meeting rigorous quality standards. We further understand the demands that come with putting systems in place to ensure that these quality requirements are adhered to. Nonetheless, preserving the credibility and integrity of certification remains paramount to uphold consumer trust, confidence and safety.

In June of this year, the Bureau initiated surveillance activities through an internal team tasked with the responsibility of identifying products on the market that are wrongly using the mark. The surveillance activities have so far been conducted on the Copperbelt and part of Lusaka. From the initial findings, a total of thirteen (13) companies were found to be using the ZABS quality mark illegally while from the surveillances conducted in part of Lusaka, Thirteen (13) companies have been found to be using the mark illegally. The surveillances will continue and extend to other parts of the Country.

To address the issue of the illegal use of the ZABS Certification mark, the Bureau is offering an amnesty period of 90 days, during which we encourage all manufacturers involved in the misuse of the quality marks to come forward and take corrective action voluntarily. This is a unique opportunity for resolution, transparency, and rebuilding trust with consumers and the market at large. We urge the manufacturers involved to consider either normalizing their business processes or immediately discontinue any use of quality marks that do not comply with the prescribed guidelines.

We assure you that during this amnesty period, we will work with you to resolve any issues identified, and your cooperation will be met with understanding and support. Our primary goal is to ensure the highest standards of quality in our local products and ensure consumer health and protection in our industry.

It is however crucial to note that failure to take corrective action during this amnesty period may result in more severe consequences, including public disclosure of non-compliance, legal action, and potential damages to your brand’s reputation.

We urge you to come forward and demonstrate your commitment to ethical business practices and consumer safety. If you need any guidance or have questions related to this amnesty program, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

To the consumer, we urge you to continue to bring our attention any products that you may find that maybe bearing the ZABS certification mark and seem questionable.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We believe that together, we can create a stronger industry that prioritizes quality, safety, and consumer trust.

Nathan Sing’ambwa

Executive Director

Zambia Bureau of Standards