Committee Deliberation
Standards are built through technical discussion, review, and structured stakeholder participation.
National Standards
Institutional Excellence
Standards Development
ZABS facilitates the development of Zambian National Standards (ZS) across all sectors of the economy, providing the technical foundation for quality and safety.
500+
Standards Published
Zambian National Standards
20+
Technical Committees
Industry sector coverage
150+
Active Members
Industry experts
50+
International Standards
Adopted as ZS
What is a Standard?
Building the Foundation for Quality
A standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines, or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are fit for their purpose.
Zambian National Standards (ZS) are developed through a consensus-based process involving all relevant stakeholders including industry, consumers, government, and academia.
ZABS participates in the development of regional standards through SADCSTAN and international standards through ISO and IEC, ensuring Zambian interests are represented and local standards align with global best practices.
Standards Enquiry Service
Your gateway to standards information
- Sale of Zambian, International and Foreign Standards.
- Information on technical specifications to manufacturers and traders.
- Information relating to National and International Standards.
- Information to exporters on technical regulations of importing countries.
- Information on Zambian certified products and services.
- National enquiry point (NEP) for Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT) information.
Standards in Practice
From formal documentation to technical committee work.
Standards development is easier to trust when visitors can see the meetings, documents, and technical process behind it.
Formal Documentation
The standards process is documented, methodical, and designed for traceability and consensus.
Why Standards Matter
The Power of Standardization
Standards drive quality, safety, and competitiveness across every sector of the economy
Promotes Trade
Standards facilitate domestic and international trade by creating common technical requirements.
Protects Consumers
Standards ensure products meet minimum safety and quality requirements protecting consumers.
Enables Exports
Alignment with international standards helps Zambian products access global markets.
Drives Innovation
Standards provide a foundation for innovation while ensuring interoperability and safety.
How It Works
Standards Development Process
The development of Zambian National Standards follows a rigorous, consensus-based, multi-stage process
01
Proposal Stage
A new work item proposal (NWIP) is submitted and evaluated by the relevant Technical Committee (TC).
Duration: 1-2 months
02
Preparatory Stage
A working group is established to prepare a working draft (WD) of the standard.
Duration: 2-3 months
03
Committee Stage
The working draft is circulated to committee members for comment and revision.
Duration: 2-4 months
04
Enquiry Stage
The draft standard is published for public enquiry and comments from all stakeholders.
Duration: 2 months
05
Approval Stage
Comments are reviewed, final draft is prepared, and the standard is approved for publication.
Duration: 1-2 months
06
Publication Stage
The approved standard is published as a Zambian National Standard (ZS) and made available.
Duration: 1 month
* Timelines may vary depending on complexity, stakeholder input, and committee schedules
Our Experts
Technical Committees
ZABS operates through Technical Committees (TCs) that are responsible for developing standards in their respective sectors. TCs include representatives from industry, government, consumers, and academia.
Food and Agriculture
Agriculture
25 members
Building and Civil Engineering
Construction
20 members
Electrical Engineering
Energy
18 members
Chemical Industries
Manufacturing
22 members
Textiles and Leather
Textiles
15 members
Mining and Metallurgy
Mining
28 members
Environmental Management
Environment
20 members
Information Technology
Technology
16 members
Health and Safety
Healthcare
24 members
Participate in Standards Development
ZABS invites industry experts, consumers, and stakeholders to participate in Technical Committees and contribute to the development of Zambian National Standards.
Get InvolvedBuy Standards
Access the full catalogue of Zambian National Standards and international standards available for purchase.
Browse standards catalogueInternational Alignment
ZABS actively participates in ISO, IEC, ARSO, and SADCSTAN, ensuring Zambian standards align with global best practices.
Global Reach
International Standards Participation
ZABS represents Zambia in regional and international standardization bodies
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission
ARSO
African Organisation for Standardisation
SADCSTAN
SADC Standards Organization
Need Information?
Need Information on Standards?
Contact the ZABS Standards Enquiry Service for information on Zambian and international standards.