Issue No.

3 July to December 2020

News about the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency

Avoid Consuming
Expired Products by
Reading Labels
 The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency was established
by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to administer,
maintain and enforce compulsory standards for purposes
of public health and safety, consumer and environmental
protection. The establishment of the Agency was part of the
implementation of the National Quality Policy of 2010. The
Agency started its operations in January 2018.

Vision
“A credible compulsory standards regulator.”

Mission
“To ensure public health and safety and environmental
protection.”

Core Values
Credibility
Professionalism
Integrity
Teamwork
Hard Work
Innovation
Confidentiality
Accountability

2 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

Inside
July to December 2020

4 Executive Director’s Message

5 Avoid consuming expired products by reading
labels

7 ZCSA and NRCS seal an MoU

8 Road safety profile expected to improve

9 ZCSA refutes upward adjustment of penalty fees

10 Consumers to guard against unsafe products

11 Dangote cement earmarked for dam construction
was good quality

12 High levels of product compliance commended

12 ZCSA pledges to heighten community sensitisation
13 Recover with Integrity-The Case of ZCSA
14 10 Rules of Professional Etiquette for the Digital
Workplace

16 Puzzle
17 Corona virus not a hoax
18 ZCSA Sports calendar won’t be disrupted

Editorial Team Published by:

Peggy Kaunda Chituta Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency,
Gerald Chizinga Plot No. 5032, Sefalana House,
Ronald Mwelwa Tembo Great North Road,
Caroline Kalombe P.O. Box 30312,
Lusaka, Zambia.
Contributors Telephone: +260 211 224900
Caroline Kalombe Email: [email protected]
Website: www.zcsa.org.zm
Clement Kapopo

Disclaimer:
All the information in this publication is verified of the best of the publisher’s ability. However, the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency does not accept responsibility for any inaccura-
cies, damage or loss arising from reliance on this newsletter.

Copyright@2020ZCSA
All correspondence to be addressed to the publisher and will be assured that they are intended for publication. No reproduction of the Newsletter without prior written permission from
the publisher is allowed. Articles submitted will be edited to fit and for clarity. Articles from stakeholders are highly encouraged.

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 3

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Welcome

that increased compliance to compulsory standards

will definitely increase product acceptance and market
access, within and outside the country.
Worth noting is that the Agency signed an MoU with
the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications
(NRCS) of South Africa aimed at promoting economic
Dear Reader, cooperation and support through standardisation
and quality assurance particularly with countries
It is a pleasure to write the foreword for this issue of seeking markets for products in international and
the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) regional spaces. This agreement marked an important
Newsletter. This edition will highlight some of the milestone and a beginning of a solid relationship
activities undertaken by the Agency in the last half of between Zambia and South Africa in trade facilitation.
2020. We remain optimistic that the Zambian products that
Last year, marked unprecedented times with the are subject to compulsory standards will expand their
outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted market access in the SADC region and beyond.
the way we interact, work, and conduct business. With turbulences globally in the social and economic
It has taught us not only to innovate but to re- spaces, the Agency will remain steadfast and continue
imagine efficient ways in which we can deliver on our to be innovative in order to fulfill its mandate of
institutional missions and collaborations. protecting the public and particularly consumers from
On this note, I wish to reiterate the ZCSA’s commitment buying unsafe and substandard products. As ZCSA,
to ensuring that public health and safety is maintained, we shall remain consultative and continue to explore
and that consumers and the environment are protected better options and alternative avenues within our
from harmful and substandard products. jurisdiction in our quest to provide the highest service
delivery standards.
As consumers continue to rely more on locally produced
goods, we wish to encourage local manufacturers I hope that this newsletter will update you on the work
making products which are subject to compulsory of the Agency and provide you with an opportunity to
standards to comply with the said requirements. This engage with us. Please enjoy reading this Bulletin.
will not only protect consumers but will also create All the best and stay safe!
confidence in the ability to produce goods which
satisfy the needs of the Zambian market.
In the recent past, our country has witnessed a surge
regarding compliance to standards among various
players in the manufacturing sector. We are confident
Peggy Kaunda. Chituta
Executive Director

“As consumers continue to rely more on locally produced

goods, we wish to encourage local manufacturers making
products which are subject to compulsory standards to
comply with the said requirements...”

4 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

Avoid consuming expired products

by reading labels

ZCSA Inspectors during a market

surveillance in Kafue district

Often times as consumers we tend products, and more information on

to pick products from store shelves the labels than others. In this regard
without paying much attention to the requirements are referred to as
labels when purchasing household product specific requirements for
supplies. We concentrate more on the packaging and labelling.
brand name without much regard to
the information on the label. The ZCSA has the mandate to
ensure that products are properly The Agency is urging
However, it is important for consumers packaged and that labels provide consumers to read
to read the labels and ensure the the minimum required information to
product they are buying is properly enable consumers make an informed labels and report
packaged and labelled. Therefore, we purchase. The Agency inspects all
will highlight the importance of labels products using ZS 033 (Part 1 and 2)
when they are sold
and what information to look for on which provides general guidelines expired products.
the package and explain what certain for labelling and packaging for all
terminologies mean. products.
Standards for products that are Labelling is defined as any written,
subject to compulsory standards printed or graphic matter that is
stipulate the marks, packaging and present on the label, accompanying
labelling requirements. These are the product, or is displayed near
not uniform across all products, as the product, including that for the
different products require particular purposes of promoting its sale or
packaging that is suitable for such disposal.

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 5

 The Agency conducts regular checks on product labels
especially during market surveillances and spot checks to ensure
that they contain information on expiry dates of prepackaged
food products available on the local market. Under current
regulations, it is an offence to sell any food after its expiry date.

The information on the label must include among others; Expiration dates are placed on the product to inform the
the name of the food; the list of ingredients; net content consumer of the last day the product is safe to consume.
and drained weight; name and address of manufacturer; Best before date on the other hand tells you that the food
country of origin; lot identification system; date; marking is no longer in its perfect state from that date. Expiry Date
and storage instructions; and instructions for use. refers to the last date a food should be eaten or used.
Safety of the product cannot be guaranteed beyond the
Other requirements include; Quantitative labelling of expiry date and consumption of such food is at consumers’
ingredient composition, that is, the amount of each own risk.
ingredient contained in the product; language shall be in
English, other languages must be in addition to English; The Agency conducts regular checks on product labels
labels should be clear; an indication of durability of product especially during market surveillances and spot checks to
i.e. best before date, date of expiry or use by date. ensure that they contain information on expiry dates of
prepackaged food products on the local market. Under
The expiry, best before date, use by and sell by dates current regulations, it is an offence to sell any food after its
are aimed at ensuring that the quality and safety of the expiry date.
product, be it food or any other product, is preserved. It is
important to check these dates before buying. The retailer uses the expiry date to know how long it should
be displayed on the shelf. It helps the traders to manage
The best-before dates are placed on the label to provide stock and ensure that they do not lose money by having to
information to the consumer about the shelf life and dispose of food that has expired.
freshness of the unopened food or product. It may be
referred to as the manufacturers promise to the consumer The “sell by” date is another term found on labels and it
that the packaging and the food within them will be of the is placed on the package to inform consumers of the last
highest quality standard and will contain the nutrients as day when the item is at its optimum quality. The food item
outlined on the label. This applies to an unopened product, is still edible or useable after this date, and in some cases,
within the stated date. Once a product is kept beyond this consumers can even process it in such a way as to extend
date, the flavour, texture or nutritional value cannot be its shelf life further.
guaranteed.
The sell by date is sometimes mixed up with the “use by”
The ‘best before’ date is often mistaken by consumers to date. The use by date refers to the last day on which the
be the same as the ‘expiry date’. However, the best-before product can be used. It applies to perishable products
date refers to the situation where once this date has such as milk, fresh fish and meat. A product with a use by
passed, the product may lose its nutrients, aroma, taste or date should be disposed of once that date has passed.
freshness. This refers strictly to quality, not safety and does
not necessarily mean that the food is no longer safe to eat. The Agency is urging consumers to read the product
labels and report when they are sold expired products.
Another date which consumers should look out for is the Such complaints must first be reported to the seller
expiry date. The expiry date should be indicated for foods of the products so that corrective action can be taken
or perishable products whose nutritional value is important immediately. Remember, it is important for consumers to
to the consumer and that maybe diminished once the be well informed about a product that they consume only
product reaches this date. that which is safe and they get the required nutrition and
optimal benefits from the product.
The expiry date is the date up to which the food maintains
its microbiological and physical stability, and the nutrient
content declared on the label. That means it is best to
consume the food before the expiry date to get the most
nutritional value from it and to avoid any adverse effects
that may come about as a consequence of consuming it
after its expiry date.

6 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

ZCSA and NRCS seal an MoU

The Official Signing Ceremony

of the Memorandum of
Understanding

The Zambia Compulsory Standards over are recovering from the shock of meet the South African and largely
Agency and the National Regulator the outbreak of COVID-19, increased regional market.
for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) production is most welcome,” Ms
of South Africa last year signed a Chituta said. Ms Chituta further said the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) collaboration between the two
intended to strengthen collaboration ZCSA Executive Director said the Agencies would contribute positively
and cooperation between Zambia and MoU was key to promoting economic to the successful development and
South Africa. cooperation and support through integration of standards and technical
standardisation particularly with requirements in our markets.
ZCSA Executive Director, Peggy countries seeking markets for products
Kaunda Chituta who signed on in international and regional spaces. Meanwhile, NRCS Executive Director
behalf of the institution said that the Edward Mamadise said the existence
strengthened collaboration would Ms Chituta noted that one of the of such institutions allowed for
enhance and facilitate trade between benefits of the MoU was in making collaboration and information sharing
the two countries. use of standards to remove barriers on the protection of consumers
to trade. She said by their very nature, through enforcement of compulsory
Ms Chituta said, “Standards are at standards were tools for facilitating standards.
the heart of manufacturing, and trade because they established
through this MoU, manufacturers and common criteria for acceptance of Speaking during the same virtual
traders of products that are subject products on the market and their safe Signing Ceremony, Mr Mamadise
to compulsory standards will benefit use or consumption by consumers. noted that regulators were faced
from the cooperation in inspections with challenges in their efforts to
for products traded between the two ZCSA Executive Director said another protect consumers and citizens
countries.” aspect of the MoU was the exchange against substandard and unsafe
visits for technical staff aimed at products. He said these challenges
She said Increased compliance to enhancing experience and adoption could not be addressed by only
standards would certainly increase of best practice in the regulation of one Agency because unscrupulous
product acceptance and market industries under our charge. She was traders knew which countries did not
access. “As markets grow, so does the hopeful that the implementation have regulators and they used those
production of products, and at a time of the MoU would assist Zambian countries to transport products which
such as this when economies the world manufacturers produce goods that may be unsafe to consumers.

Continued on page 8 >>

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 7

COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

Road safety profile expected to improve

ZCSA Executive Director, Peggy Kaunda Chituta

signs a RWI Contract on behalf of the Agency

The Zambia Compulsory Standards for inspection and testing of used Mr Chizinga stated that it was
Agency through the Import Quality motor vehicles for road worthiness, to within the mandate of the Agency
Monitoring (IQM) Department has promote public safety. as stipulated in the Compulsory
predicted that the road safety profile Standards Acts No. 3 of 2017 for ZCSA
in Zambia will improve for the country Pre-shipment RWI was initiated to enter into formal agreements
in the coming years following the to minimize the risk of unsafe and with conformity assessment service
signing of the Road Worthiness substandard used motor vehicles providers to inspect, test or analyse
Inspection (RWI) Contracts with entering the Zambian market, products on its behalf.
Inspection Companies. thus ensuring public safety and
environmental protection. All imported The IQM Manager added that the three
On 30th November 2020, ZCSA signed used motor vehicles must meet the Vehicle Inspection Companies met the
contracts with three Vehicle Inspection requirements of this important safety prescribed technical specifications
Companies namely Auto Terminal pre-export inspection. after a thorough and competitive
Japan, EAA Limited and Quality bidding process.
Inspection Services Limited. So, the Speaking during the Official Signing
three companies are ZCSA appointed Ceremony, IQM Manager, Gerald He was confident that the
agents charged with the responsibility Chizinga expressed confidence aforementioned companies would
of inspecting, testing and analyzing that the three Vehicle Inspection exceed the Agency’s expectations
used motor vehicles before they are Companies which were renowned through the provision of quality
offloaded on the Zambian market. entities had all it took to safeguard inspections and testing of used motor
millions of lives by reducing road vehicles.
Pre-shipment RWI is conducted by traffic calamities through the provision
ZCSA appointed agents to ensure of quality RWI services at designated The contracts which ZCSA signed
compliance with the Zambian locations outside Zambia. with the three Vehicle Inspection
Standard ZS 560 – Code of practice Companies will run for a period of
three years, from 2021 to 2023.

<< Continued from page 8 ZCSA and NRCS seal an Agreement

NRCS Executive Director said the provided by the Zambia Compulsory beginning of a solid relationship
collaboration with the ZCSA would Standards Agency for a product between Zambia and South Africa in
enable the NRCS to counteract entering South Africa because then I trade facilitation.
activities of unscrupulous traders. He will have confidence that the product
said that was important especially has been inspected by a reputable It is therefore expected that the
with the implementation of the Africa Agency,” he said. signing of the Memorandum of
Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) Understanding would promote the
which would require regulators to The MoU focuses on areas of mutual manufacturing industry in Zambia by
collaborate more and ensure seamless interest to the two institutions in their ensuring that the products produced
movement of goods to enable mandate of protecting the public from in Zambia met the South Africa
businesses to flourish. harmful products. This agreement industry standards and beyond before
between the ZCSA and NRCS marked they were consumed by the public.
“I want to be able to rely on a certificate an important milestone and the

8 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

ZCSA refutes upward adjustment of

penalty fees

The Zambia Compulsory Standards pre-shipment RWI of all used motor predictable and transparent.
Agency (ZCSA) would like to inform vehicles upto October 2020.
importers of used motor vehicles that The Agency would like to remind
the Agency has not adjusted upwards Any vehicle exported to Zambia importers of used motor vehicles
the penalty fee for non-compliance without undergoing the inspection that RWI of used motor vehicles at
with the mandatory pre-shipment by ZCSA appointed agents incurs a source is a mandatory requirement
inspection for roadworthiness of all penalty. aimed at ensuring public safety, and
used motor vehicles destined for use environmental protection.
Under the old system the penalty was
within Zambia but has simply changed calculated at 15% of Cost, Insurance Some of the parameters checked
the method of calculation. and Freight (C I F). The old system was during inspection include structural
Auto-Terminal Japan, EAA Limited however found to be subjective as it damage, lighting, braking and
and Japan Export Vehicle Inspection depended on the invoice presented. suspension systems, carbon emission
Centre (JEVIC) Co. Limited are the The new system is based on engine levels and radiation, among others.
ZCSA appointed agents carrying out capacity thereby making it more

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 9

COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

Consumers should guard against unsafe

products
As we come together as a country and for the commodities by producing Products that may be of poor quality,
work on modalities to address the unsafe products and placing them unsafe or ineffective can further
corona virus pandemic, the Zambia on the market. Such traders prey on threaten the health of those who
Compulsory Standards Agency is the ignorance of consumers by selling consume them.
committed to ensuring the safety substandard and unsafe goods or
of products subject to compulsory falsifying product descriptions. The Agency would like to assure
standards. members of the public that it is
The Agency is further advising committed to ensuring the health and
The outbreak of the coronavirus members of the public to buy these safety of Zambians by continuing to
disease has led to heightened demand products from trusted or verified provide its services to the business
for sanitisers, gloves, tissue, soaps, and sources to avoid being cheated or community and the public at large.
masks. Health experts and authorities preyed on by traders wishing to cash
have been advising people to regularly in. The Agency is also providing its
wash their hands and use sanitisers to services by conducting critical
prevent infection. “The sale of substandard and unsafe inspections while at the same time
products is not only against the law, protecting the health of its employees
The Agency is advising consumers to but is also unethical, bearing in mind during this time.
guard against buying substandard and that such products are urgently
unsafe products such as handwash, required at a time when the entire And the ZCSA will continue to work
sanitisers and masks in a bid to prevent world is making every effort to ensure with other government agencies to
contraction of the coronavirus disease. that any new infections are avoided ensure the public is protected from
and that the people’s wellbeing or purchasing substandard and unsafe
The Agency is aware that some their lives are safeguarded”. products during this trying time.
unscrupulous traders may take
advantage of the heightened demand

10 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

Dangote cement earmarked for dam

construction was good quality
The Zambia Compulsory Standards strength after a defined period and early strength attainment levels
Agency has established that the the affected consumers complained such as block makers. The product
cement offloaded on the market to the distributor. was recalled, replaced and affected
in Chingola and Kitwe by Dangote consumers were compensated and
Zambia Limited which had a low early The distributor recorded eight provided with the correct type of
strength after a defined period was of complaints about low early strength cement.
good quality as it was meant for dam of Dangote Cement 42.5R from
construction. its clients. Other consumers and The Agency asked Dangote Zambia
distributors complained directly to Limited to develop procedures to
This was revealed after an investigation Dangote Zambia Limited and the effectively manage change from
following complaints from members cement making firm also conducted one product to another. The cement
of the public that the commodity its internal investigation to ascertain producing firm was also advised to
was of poor quality. The investigation what was causing the problem. build storage bins where different
was prompted by complaints from finished products can be stored for
members of the public alleging low It was established that the XRF ease of identification. The company’s
early strength levels in the Dangote machine which measures the mineral management has also been advised to
42.5R Cement brand. content of a product and gives a guide issue a public statement to allay public
on the combination of these materials anxieties.
Cement (ZS EN 197) is among the 60 had malfunctioned. The XRF machine
products currently covered under was giving readings for Type III cement From the foregoing, the public are
compulsory standards and therefore rather Type IV cement. This led to reminded that the mandate of the
subject to compliance requirements cement meant for Dam construction Agency is to administer, maintain and
under the Compulsory Standards Act. (which is normally dispatched in bulk) ensure compliance to compulsory
to be erroneously packaged in 50Kg standards to ensure public health,
The Investigation was conducted bags and dispatched to the distributor safety, consumer and environmental
in Chingola, Kitwe and Ndola who sold to members of the public protection.
and included site visits to a block
manufacturing factory, a distribution The cement which was offloaded on ZCSA is therefore advising consumers
agent and the Dangote cement the market has a longer period to of products to be vigilant and report
plant. It was revealed that the cement attain specified strength levels. This any concerns about products that
used to make blocks had low early had an impact on users that require they may have.

Inspection of a Cement Manufacturing

Plant

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 11

COMPULSORY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

ZCSA pledges to heighten community

sensitizations
Kasama District Commissioner, Kelly
Kashiwa has called on the Zambia
Compulsory Standards Agency
to heighten its sensitisation and
community awareness interventions
to enlighten the public on standards
for purposes of consumer safety and
environmental protection.
Speaking when ZCSA Management
paid a courtesy call on him, Mr Kashiwa
expressed gratitude that the Agency
found time amidst their busy work Kasama District Commissioner shares
schedules to pay a courtesy on his a light moment with ZCSA Executive
office and appraise him on the recent Director (L)
development within the Agency.
Mr Kashiwa was quick to mention market was important to the well sensitisation campaigns as they
that the health and safety of the being of the citizens who were key played a significant role in spreading
consumers remained critical to the stakeholders in the value chain; adding vital information on different aspects
well-being of the vast majority of that a health nation was certainly a of public safety, health, consumer
vulnerable citizens whom the Patriotic wealthy nation. protection and environmental
Front (PF) administration aspired to protection.
serve diligently at varying levels of the He cautioned ZCSA employees that
governance system. in the discharge of their duties, In response, ZCSA Executive Director,
they should at all times desist from Peggy Kaunda Chituta assured the
The District Commission reiterated acts that may bring the good name Kasama District Commissioner that
that through its routine dealings, ZCSA of the institution into disrepute her Management working with the
occupied a very critical and strategic especially that the Government and Communications Section would
position in the economic dispensation indeed stakeholders recognized and ensure that practical grass-root
of our country as it helped in appreciated the Agency’s efficient interventions were developed to help
facilitating the growth of trade and service delivery at various work build and sustain the profile of the
manufacturing industry in Zambia. stations. Agency.
Mr Kashiwa stated that the safety of The District Commission reminded
regulated products on the Zambian ZCSA Management to step up

High levels of product compliance commended

During the recent market surveillance is that most of the traders and with the Public Health Department of
conducted in Kafue, Chirundu firms which were inspected were the Kafue Town Council.
and Siavonga districts, a team knowledgeable about the mandate
of ZCSA Inspectors and Head of and operations of ZCSA. Simply put, In this perspective, ZCSA going forward
Communications were impressed with this category of stakeholders were will be compelled to raise awareness
the high levels of product compliance very supportive during the inspections using cost effective medium of
among traders and wholesalers. in their jurisdiction. communication and disseminate vital
information to community members
The aforementioned was evident in However, during the same market on compulsory standards and product
a good number of wholesalers and surveillance, there was an isolated case safety.
renowned supermarkets that were in Kafue district where some selected
inspected during the exercise. It traders were selling
was noted among others that the assorted products which
packaging of the products on the seemingly were unknown
shelves in their stores were orderly and possibly not regulated
and products displayed and product by the Agency. These
information was valid. products were confiscated
by ZCSA in collaboration
Worth noting from the surveillance

12 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 CORPORATE FOCUS

‘Recover with Integrity’

The Case of ZCSA
On 9th December, the Zambia Our three years Mr Gerald Chizinga for the leadership
Compulsory Standards Agency and professionalism exhibited over
(ZCSA) joined the rest of the world in of existence has the years to stamp out corruption at all
commemorating the International made the Agency the levels. The Committee has strived
Anti-Corruption Day. Commemorated to institutionalise the prevention of
under the theme “ Recover with achieve a lot by corruption for purposes of enhancing
Integrity,” this International Anti-
Corruption Day was an opportunity for
implementing high integrity and transparency. The IC
members are individual members of
us to recommit to collective action in level programmes staff who are tasked with taking steps
preventing and addressing corruption, to prevent corruption within their
as we reflect on the devastating
and activities while organisations. In other words, they are
consequences of COVID-19 on upholding integrity. responsible for enhancing integrity
governance institutions, the economy, through various reforms at ZCSA.
and society.
pay an estimated US$1.5 trillion in Borgen Magazine (2017) asserts that
From the outset, the theme of the bribes, while at least US$500 billion is just like in most other African countries
2020 International Anti-Corruption lost to corruption in the health sector today, corruption and poor governance
Day resonates well with operational annually, more than the total cost of continue to tear the beautiful country
aspects of the Agency. Integrity is one global Universal Health Coverage. of Zambia into pieces. The report
the seven core values of ZCSA. From further states that poverty in Zambia
the corporate governance stand point, Despite the ugly face of alleged is real and continue to affect the larger
integrity as a core value compels every corruption manifesting in various part of the population.
employee to uphold morality and put sectors of the economy, ZCSA under
our obligations to the nation above the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Under this backdrop, we are hopeful
our personal interests in the execution Industry have remained steadfast and that the 2020 International Anti-
of our duties. Having integrity means true to its mandate of ensuring safety corruption Day commemoration
doing the right thing in a reliable way. of regulated products for consumers should give us and all stakeholders
It’s a personality trait that we admire, and environmental protection. In renewed hope and energy towards the
since it means a person has a moral all our dealings, the Agency has fight against corruption. The theme
compass that doesn’t waver. strived to achieve the prescribed dubbed, “Recovery with Integrity”
commitments in the service charter. It should help us promote collective
Our three years of existence has has endeavoured to establish strategic action against corruption through
made the Agency achieve a lot by partnerships with like minded multi-stakeholder engagement with
implementing high level programmes institutions to enhance operational governments, businesses and civil
and activities while upholding efficiency and facilitate trade between society and empowering communities.
integrity. ZCSA has made progress Zambia and other countries.
in countless ways that has helped More than ever before, ZCSA
to move forward the development COVID-19 pandemic has also should continue to take the lead in
agenda for the country. The Agency created endless opportunities for strengthening processes and systems
has strictly adhered to the yardsticks corruption to thrive. UNDP asserts to seal any opportunity that may lead
prescribed in the strategic plan. that when safeguards are relaxed to corruption. ZCSA Management
under emergency protocols, and through the operations of the IC,
According to the Transparency oversight mechanisms weakened or should continue supporting the noble
International Corruption Perception disrupted as a response to COVID-19, work of the Committee in fighting
Index 2019, corruption still remains there is a likelihood of corruption to corruption. The IC should not relent in
pervasive in the country, yet the occur in its various forms. Worse still, its work but sustain the gains scored
situation is considered relatively such an environment facilitates the over the years in ensuring integrity,
better when compared to other deterioration of public health and transparency and accountability at
countries in the region. Looking safety due to the consumption of ZCSA. In 2021 and beyond, ZCSA
deeply into the operatives of the substandard products on the market. should continue to strengthen and
Agency, ZCSA operates in a volatile promote a fair business environment
business environment in Zambia As ZCSA, we can stand on any podium that facilitates the growth of trade and
which is delicate and extremely prone with our heads high and state that manufacturing industry in Zambia.
to corruption. According to the United we have never been culprits of
Nations Development Programme corruption during the COVID-19 era. For any suspected irregularities
(UNDP), corruption is standing in the We commend the Integrity Committee regarding products which fall within
way of sustainable development. (IC) at ZCSA which is headed by compulsory standards, do not hesitate
Every year, businesses and individuals Manager Import Quality Monitoring, to contact ZCSA Integrity Committee
Line on +260 963 470 981.

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 13

ICT CORNER

10 Rules of Professional Etiquette for the

Digital Workplace

Working remotely is becoming an to your online meeting’s scheduled text options tend to be breeding
increasingly popular option, but it’s start time, turn on your computer, grounds for misunderstandings.
still a relatively new phenomenon. check that your microphone and
Navigating the unspoken rules and camera work, download and open the

3
customs of working remotely requires right programs, ensure good internet
Be reliable and fulfill your
some discipline. In fact, working in connectivity, and block distracting
obligations.
isolation may unintentionally erode notifications.
your social skills, and your colleagues Follow through on every
may begin to perceive you as a commitment you promise

2
cad. Be aware of this tendency, and to your team. Being reliable boosts
Send personal rather than
employ a set of 10 rules to minimize your reputation and makes you more
generic emails.
miscommunications and maintain relevant to your colleagues. As soon as
good rapport with your colleagues. Emails that you send to every you realize you’ll be unable to meet a
user in your company will end up promised target or deadline, contact
in most employees’ trashcans – unread. your team members to explain the

1
“Early is on time, and on time When you need to communicate to a delay. Consistency is the backbone of
is late.” large group within your company, use remote reputations.
prerecorded video messages when
First off, be punctual to show possible. But even when you need to
respect for your colleagues’ time. communicate with a colleague one-
Planning for digital meetings is more on-one, especially when discussing
complex and time-consuming than matters of a delicate nature, opt for
simply showing up. Ten minutes prior video conferencing tools. Email and

14 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 ICT CORNER

4 6
Communicate clear Streamline your team’s to use emoji in emails with clients or
expectations. processes by using superiors, and reserve your use of the
the same tools as your wink emoticon for communications
When you fail to voice your with friends.
expectations precisely,
colleagues.
follow-through becomes difficult. Tools such as Dropbox lets you

9
Delegate tasks to others, and agree share access to files and documents
to deadlines in writing to avoid the Use specific examples
with all team members. Workflow
“bystander effect” whereby no one when you communicate.
management programs such as
takes ownership of a task. “Everyone’s Trello and Asana can increase To avoid miscommunication,
job is nobody’s job. No due date team productivity and decrease state the purpose of your
means never due.” The secret to fruitful remote project management email in the opening paragraph. Your
long-distance working relationships miscommunications. Irrespective of audience might read only the opening
is keeping the gap between your which tools you use, remember the sentences and skim the remainder,
expectations and the reality of the truism that less is more. so strategically place your request
situation as small as possible. or call to action in the opening lines.
Be detailed with your requests, and

5 7
Always explain the provide deadlines when possible. Try
Respond to rationale behind your to limit yourself to one request per
correspondence regularly. email.
actions.
A remote worker has a greater People are 33% more likely

10
responsibility to answer to grant your requests when they
email promptly than in-house Never forget to use
understand the reasons behind your manners.
employees. But responding to every them. Use the word “because” to
communication in a timely manner increase compliance and to foster a When you are rushing,
isn’t always possible. If you are feeling team mentality by tapping into the it’s easy to forget to say
overwhelmed by work or emails, persuasive value of explaining why. please and thank-you in emails. Written
communicate that to your team. Any When leaders provide the rationale communications lack the benefits
response is better than no response, for their requests, they come across as of tone that verbal communication
and a quick explanation for the delay, less dictatorial, and their subordinates boasts, so omitting your manners in an
followed by a realistic response time, become more willing to acquiesce. email will come across as downright
goes a long way to maintaining good Similarly, subordinates who reject rude. “Otherwise polite and well-
long-distance relationships with co- requests ought to provide valid behaved humans can come off as
workers. If you wish to receive fewer reasons for their responses. complete jerks in the absence of face-
emails, send fewer emails. to-face contact.”

8
Within 24 hours of receiving assistance,
If in doubt, leave emoji send individual thank-you notes to
out. anyone who has helped you.
Emoji may seem trivial, but
they have the power to
communicate emotional context in a
textual environment stripped of tone
and visual cues. To maintain an air
or professionalism, don’t be the first

“Follow through on every

commitment you promise to your
team...”

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 15

 Puzzle
S I M P A R T I A L I T Y A G E N C Y E

O P A P P R O A C H S A F E T Y D O W T

L P X T K A I Z E N H E A L T H O B H I

U R U L O I E C O N S I S T E N C Y O Q

T O L L T S T S T A N D A R D S P S L U

I D E L A 0 V A L I D H E A L T L E E E

O U I N S P E C T I O N S O C I A L S T

N C A B W E B S I T E N I K E N L A T

L T S A C O N S U M E R S D A N G E L E

E S M A R K E T Q R E G U L A T E D E A

G T Q S U R V E I L L A N C E Z I C R T

1. Read the sentences below and Spot the Underlined Words from the Puzzle. Remember,
as you read and work out the Puzzle, you will get important information about the
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency that concerns YOU!
2. In a quest to enhance quality service provision, ZCSA has made strides forward to attain
accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 which shall provide requirements for the competence
of bodies performing inspections and for the impartiality and consistency of their
inspection activities.
3. In all its activities, ZCSA will incorporate the Kaizen approach effective 2021 as an ideal
solution for the institution to set up new work etiquettes with minimal efforts, reduce
stress, eliminate risk factors, improve estimates of costs and timeframes, value and
motivate employees at its various work stations.
4. To all our key stakeholders and the general public, take advantage of the ZCSA Website
at www.zcsa.org.zm and social media handles to learn more about the operations of
the Agency and also to make general inquiries on standards.
5. The Agency developed and still implementing the Strategic Plan 2018 to 2021 which
apparently has enhanced its operational efficiency much to the satisfaction of its
esteemed stakeholder and the general public.
6. The ZCSA wishes to inform the stakeholders and the general public that it will not
relent in ensuring safety of regulated products for consumer and environmental
protection at varying levels of our society.
7. It is the duty of every wholesaler to request from a supplier a valid certificate/license
issued by ZCSA before purchasing any product regulated by the Agency.
8. To avoid substandard and unsafe products being sold on the Zambian market, ZCSA
will consistently conduct market surveillance to ensure public health and safety as
well as environmental protection.

16 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 HEALTH MATTERS

Coronavirus
is not a hoax

From various credible media fronts, it has been as weddings and public rallies. It is also true that
reported that there is a second wake of the corona pregnant women and people with critical health
virus pandemic which is claiming millions of conditions are also vulnerable to the coronavirus
human lives globally. The situation is not different pandemic.
even in Zambia. According to the Zambia National
Public Health Institute, the country has recorded They say, “charity begins at home, ’’ so the fight
a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. As at against COVID-19 should start from our homes. It
31st December 2020, the country had 20, 725 is the duty of every parent to teach their children/
accumulative cases and 18,660 total recoveries dependants basic health tips on how the virus can
of the pandemic. It recorded 131 deaths and 257 be prevented. The guard against the pandemic
COVID-19 associated deaths with an apparent should be extended to our workplaces. The
1,677 active cases. following basic health tips can be inculcated at
all the levels such as washing hands frequently;
It is therefore true that we cannot afford not to avoiding touching ones’ eyes, nose or mouth;
guard against the deadliest and fast spreading desisting from eating raw meat and unnecessary
COVID-19. Africa as a continent has not been contact with wild animals; thoroughly cooking
spared. The Ministry of Health through its daily meat and eggs and avoid close contact with
updates on COVID-19 has expressed worry over the anyone with flu-like symptoms. In other instances,
reluctance by members of the public to adhere to if one develops a fever, cough, or difficulty in
the prescribed guidelines and health protocols to breathing, they should seek medical care early.
stop the spread of the virus. It has been confirmed These interventions will greatly help to avoid the
that the new strain of coronavirus recorded in spread the virus.
Zambia in recent times is the same recorded in
Europe and South Africa. Over and above this, masking up, observing social
distancing and washing hands with soap are
Reality being what it is, the new wave of the virus critical during this delicate time. Failure to observe
is more deadlier and spreads faster than the older COVID-19 health guidelines and protocols, Zambia
one. From mountains of evidence, most affected as a country will most likely experience an inevitable
people who are vulnerable to contract the virus surge in infections and deaths associated with the
are those aged between 17 and 45. It has also new strain of COVID-19 is deadly and more lethal
been reported in the media that aforementioned with potential to wipe out human life. Let us stay
age group is vulnerable because this category of safe always.
people like patronizing public gatherings such

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 17

SPORTS

ZCSA Sports calendar won’t be disrupted

…As physical exercise is emphasised

The Corona Virus which has ravaged active citizenship and social inclusion.
many lives and brought down People have been advised to exercise
economies and claimed the lives of regularly to boost their immunity
many globally continues to silently and help prevent the contraction of
affect us. It is not a fallacy that COVID-19. It is to this effect that the
COVID-19 has brought challenges Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency
to the world of sports. From many encourages its members of staff to
fronts, many sports disciplines have engage in some form of physical
been negatively affected. There activity whilst religiously observing
has been harsh decisions made to COVID-19 preventive protocols.
cancel or postpone sports events.
Arguably, corporate institutions which To this effect, members of staff
support wellness programmes for its have continued to engage in sports
employees have seemingly shelved activities as part of fitness and
sports and exercise. wellness programme of the Agency.
Although many things feel beyond support, or electronic platforms
Medical professionals world over our control right now, we do have offering exercise programmes.
are working to find a cure for this the ability to be creative and to build
While we continue to be challenged
deadly disease which has continued physical activity and exercise into each
by COVID-19 pandemic, wellness
to affect many people. As the cure is of our days. We may even look back
programmes will continue at ZCSA
being developed, people have been on this difficult time as the turning
to reduce the risk of infection. The
told on how to prevent contracting point when we learned new ways to
consensus is that in as much sport
the disease. Some of these measures build our emotional resilience and our
and exercise will not be disrupted at
include, wearing a face mask, keeping physical health.
ZCSA, management and employees
a physical distance of about 1.5 meters,
Each day is a new opportunity to are alive to the fact that they should
washing hands regularly and sanitizing
engage in physical activity and at all times comply with the prescribed
them, among many others.
exercise that can bring short and health guidelines and other protocols
Mountains of empirical evidence long-term benefits for mood, sleep, to avoid the spread of the virus.
suggest that sport and exercise play an and physical health. Consistency
Stay safe always!
important role in improving physical and sustained motivation may be
and mental health, and fostering enhanced by peer support, family

18 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY

 We build
smiles
when you
buy ZCSA’s
regulated
products...

The Agency will

endeavour to
safeguard the lives
of Zambians by
monitoring the
safety and quality
of products on the
market

ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY 19

 against any suspicious, fraudulent and
ethically questionable products
you find on the market

Call ZCSA
+260 211 224 900 | +260 963 470 981
20 ZAMBIA COMPULSORY STANDARDS AGENCY