… ZCSA and IPU have joined forces to combat harmful products and ensure consumer safety.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (5-07-2024) — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has reiterated its dedication to shielding consumers from hazardous products that threaten public health.
According to a statement issued by Onishias Maamba, Public Relations Officer for the ZCSA, this commitment was reinforced during a strategic meeting between the Agency and the Intellectual Property Unit (IPU) of the Lusaka Division of the Police.
“The meeting, which took place on July 4, 2024, aimed at identifying collaborative opportunities between the ZCSA and the IPU,” Maamba stated.
Kasuba Kasengele, Acting Inspections Manager for Import Quality Monitoring at ZCSA, emphasized the critical role of the Police in enforcing compulsory standards.
“The Police’s law enforcement capabilities are integral to our efforts in safeguarding consumer health through stringent standards enforcement,” he remarked.
Under Section 5 of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, Maamba said the ZCSA is tasked with working alongside government ministries, state institutions, and international organizations to uphold these standards.
Kasengele highlighted that the Police’s expertise is particularly valuable in matters concerning intellectual property, aligning with ZCSA’s mandate.
Kasengele praised the Police Command for facilitating the meeting, which he believes will enhance the ZCSA’s ability to enforce compulsory standards effectively.
“This partnership is a significant step forward in our mission to protect consumers from unsafe products,” he added.
Deputy Officer In-charge of Intellectual Property for the Zambia Police Lusaka Division, Hellen Hikanza, echoed the sentiment of cooperation.
She emphasized the importance of intellectual property protection for both the economy and consumer safety.
“No investor would consider investing in a country that lacks robust intellectual property laws, as their investments would be at risk,” she stated, according to the statement by Mr. Maamba.
Ms. Hikanza assured the ZCSA of her unit’s commitment to ensuring that only genuine products reach the Zambian market.
“Our discussions have underscored the importance of this collaboration, and we are dedicated to working closely with the ZCSA to achieve our shared goals,” she concluded.
Maamba said the ZCSA and IPU’s partnership represents a pivotal effort to bolster consumer protection and intellectual property enforcement in Zambia, promising a safer marketplace for all.