Did you know that ZCSA collected over K600 million in actual Non-Tax Revenue in 2025?

According to the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency […]

According to the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) 2025 Annual Report, seen by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT indicates that the agency collected actual Non-Tax Revenue of K624,695,814 against a target of K568,453,478, representing a difference K56,242,336 or 10% above target.

 The report further shows that ZCSA received Appropriation in Aid (AIA) of K109,119,300 from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning during the period under review, accounting for 17% of total Non-Tax Revenue.

A comparison of the figures by ZBT shows an increase in revenue mobilisation, with ZCSA having collected K522,309,968 in Non-Tax Revenue in 2024 against a target of K411,911,232, while receiving AIA amounting to K81,132,792.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, economic expert, Samuel Lungu said the performance demonstrates that ZCSA is increasingly becoming an important contributor to Government revenue, with the 2025 collections reflecting a 19.6% increase from the previous year.

“The growth shows that ZCSA is no longer simply a regulatory institution but has also become an important revenue mobilisation arm of Government, and quality control is directly translating into fiscal value,” said Lungu.

Howerver, he added that the AIA model can remain sustainable provided ZCSA continues expanding its internally generated revenue, noting that the K109.1 million allocation represented 17% of the Agency’s total revenue. Lungu stated that the 100% utilization of AIA demonstrates prudent use of public resources, but cautioned that ZCSA would need to achieve its 2026 revenue projection of K840.7 million to gradually reduce its dependence on Treasury funding.

“The increased performance is as a result of internal controls, increased use of digital payment systems and higher import volumes, particularly for commodities such as fuel and fertilizer,” he said.

Lungu mentioned that the Zambia Electronic Single Window and other digital systems have also strengthened monitoring at major entry points such as Nakonde and Ndola.

He further urged ZCSA that increased revenue collection must not come at the expense of businesses and consumers, warning that higher compliance and inspection costs could eventually be passed on through increased prices if not carefully managed.

 Meanwhile, this year 2026, the Agency projects to collect K840,785,816 in Non-Tax Revenue and will lobby central Government to increase Appropriation in Aid.

By Philip Sinkala