ZABS tests over 8,000 samples in eight months

The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) recorded positive performance in its service delivery between January and August 2026, testing 8,571 samples at its laboratories in Chipata, Kitwe, Lusaka and Mongu. ZABS Executive Director Nathan Sing’ambwa said the samples covered a wide…

The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) recorded positive performance in its service delivery between January and August 2026, testing 8,571 samples at its laboratories in Chipata, Kitwe, Lusaka and Mongu.

ZABS Executive Director Nathan Sing’ambwa said the samples covered a wide range of products, including food and beverages, consumer goods, agricultural inputs and products, petroleum products, construction materials, medical consumables and infection prevention supplies.

Mr Sing’ambwa said water and environmental samples were also tested as part of ZABS’ mandate to protect consumer health and public safety.

According to a statement issued to the media Mr Sing’ambwa said the Bureau also developed and published 352 standards during the period under review, bringing the cumulative number of standards developed by ZABS to 8,351.

He said the standards covered various sectors of the economy and were aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Zambian products and services on regional and international markets.

Mr Sing’ambwa said 297 products were certified during the period under review.

He said 169 products manufactured by large enterprises were certified under the Quality Mark, while 128 products manufactured by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were certified under the Certified Local Supplier Scheme (CLSS).

The ZABS Executive Director said the latest certifications had increased the cumulative number of products certified by the Bureau to 2,220.

Mr Sing’ambwa further disclosed that 733 industry personnel were trained between January and August 2026 to strengthen their capacity and knowledge in quality assurance, standards adherence and compliance.

He said ZABS had also intensified market surveillance activities to curb the illegal use of ZABS quality marks across the country.

Mr Sing’ambwa said the surveillance activities led to the identification of 27 products that were falsely displaying ZABS marks, adding that enforcement action had since been initiated and was ongoing.

He said ZABS remained committed to providing standardisation and quality assurance services to promote a competitive industry while safeguarding consumers in accordance with the Standards Act, Chapter 416 of the Laws of Zambia.