Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency

03/09/2026

Coverage on ZNBC TV Main News last night (02/09/2026)

ZCSA regulates fertilizers by administering the following compulsory standards:
 ZS 327: Blended (physical mixture) Fertilizers
 ZS 431: Compound Fertilizers
 ZS 605: Fertilizers – Urea
 ZS 606: Fertilizers – Ammonia Nitrate
 ZS 607: Fertilizers- Calcium Ammonia Nitrate
 ZS 608: Fertilizers- Ammonia Sulphate
 ZS 609: Specification for Fertilizers- Sulphate of Potash
 ZS 613: Specification for Fertilizers- Single Super Phosphate
 ZS 614: Specification for Fertilizers-Triple Super Phosphate
 ZS 615: Specification for Fertilizers- Calcium Nitrate

In addition, ZCSA enforces ZS 666 Code of practice on handling and storage of bagged and bulk fertilizers.

These regulations ensures that farmers get safe and quality fertilizer and ultimately get their desired results from their crops.

Fertilizer is only supposed to be supplied to the market if it conforms to the above relevant Zambian Compulsory Standards.

It is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of fertilizer to obtain authority from the Agency to supply the product legally on the market.

Report to your nearest ZCSA Office at the Head Office in Lusaka or provincial centres or border offices or through ZCSA’s online platforms when you encounter suspicious activities on the market such as illegal mixing and repacking of fertilizer with questionable materials or chemicals.

You may also contact ZCSA on +260 774858258 when you encounter strange fertilizer brands that does not comply with the compulsory requirements on packaging, labeling and other parameters so that enforcement actions are taken.

ZCSA has a whistleblower policy and does not disclose the identity
of whistleblowers / informers.

The Agency will seize, withdraw from the market and destroy non-compliant fertilizer to protect consumers and environment in line with Section 16 (4) (b) of the Compulsory Standards Act Chapter 422 of the laws of Zambia.

ZCSA, "With Your Safety in Mind"

02/09/2026

Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager - Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, today oriented newly recruited members of staff under the Import Quality Monitoring (IQM) department, Domestic Quality Monitoring (DQM) department, Legal and Compliance department on the role of the Agency's Corporate Communications Unit.

New members of staff also received some branded outfits and publications.

The Corporate Communications Unit oversees the Agency's public education activities, stakeholder engagements, Communications and Public Relations, Corporate Branding, Media Relations and Monitoring as well as Management of ZCSA Events and Protocols, among others.

Under the Compulsory Standards Act, Chapter 422 of the laws of Zambia, one of the functions of ZCSA is to educate the public on compulsory standards and provide public information for the protection of the consumers on products and services which do not comply with the Act.

Further, the Agency collaborates with Government Ministries and other State institutions and international organisations in enforcing compulsory standards.

Congratulations to the newly recruited members of staff for ZCSA Offices in Kazungula, Chanida, Lusaka, Chirundu, Choma and Ndola.

Below are some of the pictures captured today.

ZCSA, "With Your Safety in Mind"

02/09/2026

Here is an interview that ZCSA Manager - Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, had with Rusangu University Radio last night (01/08/2026) on regulations around alcoholic beverages using Local Language (Tonga).

ZCSA, "With Your Safety in Mind"

01/09/2026

Make a date on Rusangu University Radio in Monze (Southern Province) this evening at 19:30hrs as Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager - Communication, Brian Hatyoka, discusses ZCSA's role of ensuring that only safe alcoholic beverages are allowed on the market.

The discussion, which will be in Tonga Language, will be aired LIVE on Rusangu University Radio Facebook and shared here on ZCSA page.

ZCSA regulates Opaque Beer (ZS 321), Clear Beer (ZS 430), Potable Spirits (ZS 808) and Table Wines (ZS 809) to ensure these alcoholic beverages are safe for human consumptlon.

These standards state that all raw materials used must be clean and free fron additives and no evidence of mould.

Production of these beverages must be done in certified and good sanitary facilities.

There are limits on alcohol percentage and heavy metals which must be adhered to when producing alcoholic beverages.

Under Section 15 (a) of the Compulsory Standards Act Chapter 422 of the Laws of Zambia, a person shall not import, manufacture, sell, market, advertise, offer for hire or supply a product or service to which a compulsory standard applies unless the product or service complies with or has been manufactured in accordance with the compulsory standard.

Further, Section 21 (b) of the Compulsory Standards Act says a supplier commits an offence when he or she sells, manufactures, imports, distributes or places on the market a commodity which does not comply with a compulsory standard.

ZCSA is mandated by Section 16 (4) (b) of the Compulsory Standards Act to restrict/ re-work, seize and destroy non-compliant products covered by compulsory standards in a bid to protect consumers and the environment.

ZCSA, "With Your Safety in Mind"

31/08/2026

News coverage by Talking Business Magazine (30/08/2026)

ZCSA WARNS OF DEADLY ILLICIT SPIRITS AS METHANOL, FERTILISER FOUND IN BACKYARD BREWS

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned consumers against illicitly produced potable spirits, saying some backyard brews contain dangerous substances such as methanol, fertiliser and shoe polish that can cause blindness, organ failure and death.

ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka says the growing consumption of unregulated alcoholic beverages poses a serious public health threat because such products are manufactured without inspection, testing or adherence to compulsory standards.

“Some of them are made using methanol. Now, methanol is not something that is supposed to be consumed. So when you consume potable spirits that are made out of methanol, it means you are going to have blindness,” Mr Hachoka said.

He said consumers could also suffer organ damage, including damage to the kidneys, heart and eyes, while some cases have resulted in deaths.

Mr. Hatyoka cited cases recorded in Kalomo and Pemba where people reportedly died after consuming illicit spirits made using methylated spirit.

“Some were made even out of fertilizer, shoe polish, and other substances that are not meant for human consumption,” he said.

He explained that legitimate potable spirits must comply with ZS 808, a compulsory standard backed by Statutory Instrument No. 18 of 2020.

According to Hatyoka during the breakfastshow on ZNBC radio 4, ZCSA inspects manufacturing premises, assesses hygiene conditions and equipment, and takes samples to laboratories to establish whether ingredients and other product characteristics are safe for human consumption.

He warned that producers who deliberately bypass the regulatory process could now face prosecution, following an agreement between ZCSA and the National Prosecution Authority.

“What we have been doing in the past, we have been seizing those products and destroying the products. But we see people who repeat the same mistakes. So, at some point, some of these people will be prosecuted through the court of law,” he said.

Hatyoka urged consumers to avoid spirits sold in unlabelled containers or from unknown sources and to report suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office.

“Take responsibility. Be product safety conscious as a consumer, so that you safeguard your own health,” he said.

[Talking Business Magazine, 28th Aug. 2026]

31/08/2026

News coverage by Rusangu University Radio today (30/08/2026)

https://www.facebook.com/share/19NYRu4dW6/

27/08/2026

Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager - Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, today featured on Zambia Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) TV2's Analytica Programme where discussed the problem of expired products in Zambia as well as on what the Agency is doing to mitigate the same.

Mr. Hatyoka was also interviewed by ZNBC Radio 4 and ZNBC Radio 1 (Chitonga) where he discussed the dangers of consuming illicit potable spirits and other unregistered beverages covered by compulsory standards.

The Tonga interview will air on ZNBC Radio 1 on Tuesday next week around 06 hours (am).

Under Section 5 of the Compulsory Standards Act, Chapter 422 of the laws of Zambia, one of the functions of ZCSA is to educate the public on compulsory standards and provide public information for the protection of the consumers on products and services which do not comply with the Act.

ZCSA uses the media (digital and traditional), roadshows, exhibitions, drama and local languages, among others, to educate the public on requirements of compulsory standards in a bid to ensure only safe products are allowed on the Zambian market.

ZCSA, "With Your Safety in Mind"

27/08/2026

News coverage by Radio Christian Voice (August 26, 2026)

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JyoKVuCdd/

27/08/2026

News coverage by Kalemba (August 27, 2026)

ZCSA urges consumers to prioritise health over cheap spirits

THE Zambia Compoulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned consumers against buying cheap illicit alcoholic beverages commonly known as Tujilijili or Junta saying that saving money should never come at the expense of their health and lives.

These beverages reportedly feature an alcohol content exceeding the prescribed percentage equivalent to vodka or whiskey but are sold at giveaway prices and in some cases the quality can be compromised.

The applicable Zambian Standard for Potable Spirits is ZS 808 which prescribes that alcohol content must be between 34 and 55 % for it to be safe for human consumption.

According to Statutory Instrument (SI) Number 18 of 2020, any type of potable spirits must be approved by ZCSA before sale.

From 2021 to-date, it is mandatory for all manufacturers or importers or suppliers or traders of potable spirits to obtain authority from ZCSA for them to legally supply potable spirits on the market.

Speaking during an interview on ZNBC Radio 4, ZCSA Communication and Public Relations Manager Brian Hatyoka said consumers should be more concerned about the safety and quality of alcoholic products than the price especially when purchasing potable spirit.

"You can't buy life. Life is precious, do not buy something that is going to compromise your health. Prevention is better than cure. you are trying to make money, yes. You are trying to save money, yes. But be mindful that your health is more important than your money," he said.

Hatyoka said despite some potential risk that comes with drinking illicit alcohol beverages, some consumers continue buying them because they are cheaper than the regulated products.

ZCSA has since urged consumers to check the lebels of the product and understand what is written on it before they purchase the products.

Hatyoka added that consumers should avoid buying products that are labeled with a foreign language only, questioning how they would understand something that is in foreign language.

"Read the labels of the product, check the integrity. Don't be in a hurry to consume something, some of these products are labelled in a foreign language only," Hatyoka noted.

"What are you reading when you can't understand the foreign language that has been declared on the product? If it is in foreign language, do not buy the products, especially the portable spirits."

Meanwhile, Hatyoka called on consumers who notice suspicious products, including unusual smells, damaged packaging or products with unclear labeling to report them to the nearest ZCSA office for investigation.

He said ZCSA will continue removing non-compliant products from the market, but consumers also have a responsibility to protect themselves by making informed purchasing decisions.

ZCSA has further appealed to members of the public not to compromise their health in an effort to save money, stressing that the consequences of consuming unsafe alcoholic products can be irreversible.

By Elizabeth Muchape

CAPTION: ZCSA Provincial Inspector - Southern Province, Levert Nkulanga educating Livingstone residents on prescribed compulsory standard for potable spirits (ZS 808) aimed at ensuring that the spirits are safe for human consumption. This was during a roadshow in Livingstone at Maramba Market in October 2025.

Kalemba August 27, 2026

27/08/2026

Today's news coverage in Daily Nation newspaper, Mast newspaper, Zambia Daily Mail, Money Daily newspaper and Real Times online publications