Institutional Culture
Public service, staff participation, and shared organisational identity are visible across ZABS events.
Who We Are
Institutional Excellence
Who Are We
The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry established in 1982 by an Act of Parliament.
Who We Are
The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)
The Zambia Bureau of Standards is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry established in 1982 by an Act of Parliament. It implements the Standards Act No. 4 of 2017 of the laws of Zambia which repealed CAP 416 of 1994.
With the realignment of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in 2018, to international best practices, ZABS role is now more focused towards supporting industry to implement standards that enhance the quality of products and services for industry growth and competitiveness.
The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) collaborates with National Standards Bodies within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Region to harmonize standards and conformity assessment procedures, reducing technical barriers to trade and supporting more consistent product and service requirements.
Over the years ZABS has carried on its role of developing standards and providing conformity assessment services to industry.
"ZABS role is focused towards supporting industry to implement standards that enhance the quality of products and services for industry growth and competitiveness."
1982
Year Established
2017
Current Standards Act
2018
NQI Realignment
1982
Established by Act of Parliament
ZABS was established in 1982 and under CAP 416 was responsible for standards development, enforcement of compulsory standards, testing, certification, and metrology services.
2018
National Quality Infrastructure Realignment
ZABS role was refined to align with international best practices and deepen support for industry competitiveness.
2017
Standards Act No. 4 of 2017
The current legal framework guiding ZABS operations and replacing CAP 416 of 1994.
Member of
ISO, IEC, ARSO
Accredited by
SADCAS
Inside ZABS
People, culture, and public engagement.
These moments make the organisation feel real and public-facing, which helps the site feel more credible and professional.
Stakeholder Engagement
The organisation works through dialogue with public institutions, partners, and the wider standards ecosystem.
Vision And Mission
Mission, Vision & Values
These statements and values guide our daily operations and interactions with stakeholders.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote Standardisation and Quality Assurance services for a competitive industry.
Our Vision
Our vision is to become a globally recognized institution of excellence in promoting quality goods and services for improved lives.
Transparency
We uphold transparency on the processes and procedures and are open to sharing information with each other and the general public related to our core business.
Accountability
We are responsible for every action taken or omission made in the course of duty and are liable to any consequences.
Customer Focus
We put our customers at the center and every decision we make is influenced by the impact and value it will create on the customer.
Collaboration
We work together as a united force among ourselves and with our cooperative partners for the effective implementation of programmes.
Innovation
We are motivated to create new ways of doing business by coming up with new ideas, methods and concepts to improve service delivery and stay up to date with the ever-changing world.
Integrity
We are honest, morally upright and conduct ourselves beyond reproach. We conduct our business in an objective manner adhering to the prescribed standards.
Legal Framework
Our Mandate
As stipulated under the Standards Act No. 4 of 2017
01
Develop, publish, maintain, or withdraw Zambian National Standards and related normative publications serving the standardization needs for Zambia.
02
Provide inspection services, testing services and system and product certification.
03
Provide a voluntary certification mark scheme for the assurance of product conformity to standards.
04
Promote quality, health and safety standards for commodities, products and services.
05
Facilitate efficiency in industry and promote trade through standardization.
06
Provide for a Research and Development program for new standards, improvement of existing standards, standardization of test methodology and the articulation of future needs that might affect the standards environment.
Organisation Brief
Want to know more about us?
Download our organisation brief.
Our Journey
Key Milestones
Four decades of commitment to quality and standardization in Zambia
1982
ZABS Established
Established by an Act of Parliament under the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry.
1994
CAP 416
CAP 416 provided the earlier legal framework for standards, enforcement, testing, certification, and metrology responsibilities.
2017
Standards Act No. 4
A new legal framework was enacted, repealing CAP 416 of 1994.
2018
NQI Realignment
ZABS role was realigned to international best practices within Zambia's National Quality Infrastructure.
Partner Organisations
Institutional And Regional Links
ZABS works with national, regional, and international institutions that strengthen quality infrastructure, standards harmonisation, and trade facilitation.
Partner With Us
Partner with ZABS for Quality Excellence
Connect with Zambia's national standards body and elevate your products and services to meet world-class standards.