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(...) Goods prohibited from importation into Zambia are:
(...)
g. Any goods the importation of which is prohibited by or under the authority of any law (such as the Food and Drugs Act, the Standards Act, the Mines and Minerals Act, and the Environmental and Pollution Control Act); (...)

The ZABS (Zambia Bureau of Standards) is not in charge of enforcing all standards. Different sector-specific regulators include (...) the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) for chemicals, (...)

The procedure for formulating technical regulations is the same as that for standards. If there is a need to protect health, the environment or the safety of citizens, standards may be declared mandatory and become technical regulations. These standards must be submitted to the MCTI (Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry) for evaluation before being declared mandatory. During this process, these standards are advertised in the Government Gazette for 60 days, as well as notified to the WTO TBT Committee, for comments. If no substantial comments are received within the 60-day period, a statutory instrument is issued to declare them mandatory, i.e. technical regulations.

(...) ZARI (Zambia Agriculture Research Institute), through the PQPS (Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service) and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), is responsible for issuing phytosanitary certificates for exports, plant import permits, and non-GMO certificates. These permits are issued by Plant Health Inspectors or customs officials at the border.

According to ZARI (Zambia Agriculture Research Institute), genetically-modified organisms may be allowed to be imported into Zambia, subject to approval from the National Biosafety Authority in line with the National Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007.

Companies, local or foreign, may apply to develop an MFEZ (Multi-Facility Economic Zone) or operate in an MFEZ, once they demonstrate that their investment is to bring the following benefits: local employment creation; expansion of local production and diversification of the economy; utilization of local raw materials and intermediate goods ; introduction and transfer of technology and skills; production of new products; and social development. In addition, they also need to provide an environment impact analysis where necessary, (...)

Table 3.21 Summary of the changes proposed in the bills
IP rights Changes proposed
(...)
Traditional knowledge Protection of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Expression Draft Bill of 2015

The Revised Sixth National Development Plan (R-SNDP) considers agriculture, including livestock and fishery, to be one of the main stepping stones for diversifying Zambia's economy. Its ambitions include several infrastructural investments to support agricultural development, as well as food security, in an environmentally sustainable manner.

In 2012, the NAP (National Agriculture Policy) was revised. It will be implemented from 2012 to 2030, with the aim of building a "competitive and diversified agricultural sector driven by equitable and sustainable agricultural development", through liberalization, commercialization, promotion of public and private partnerships, and provision of effective agricultural services. (...)

Several laws regulate Zambia's agricultural sector (Table 4.1). The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is in charge of the overall agriculture policy. Many other institutions, including the private sector and NGOs, are involved in the formulation and implementation stages. The Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) assists in providing quality seed for Zambian farmers. The National Plant Genetic Resource Centre is in charge of the collection and preservation of genetic resources. Other key players in policy implementation in agriculture include the University of Zambia, the ministry in charge of science and technology, and the National Science and Technology Council.