ZAMRA CAUTIONS CLEARING AGENTS TO SAFE AND EFFICIENT TRADE OF MEDICINES

 

By Daily News Reporter

"LET us ensure that we have safe and efficient trade of medicines and allied substances to meet the internation standards,by following comprehensive guidelines and regulations......................." 

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has recognized the crucial role of customs clearing agents in ensuring the safe and efficient trade of medicines and allied substances. ZAMRA Director General, Mukomani Siyanga, recently emphasized the importance of collaboration and open communication between the authority and the clearing agent community.

During a stakeholder engagement meeting in Lusaka, Siyanga highlighted the vital contributions of clearing agents in protecting public and animal health. Clearing agents play a key role in facilitating the smooth clearance of medicinal products at Zambia’s borders. To ensure high standards, ZAMRA has established comprehensive guidelines and regulations aligned with international best practices. 

Mr. Siyanga also cautioned that inadequate regulation could lead to serious consequences, including the proliferation of substandard, falsified, and counterfeit medicines, which may result in treatment failures, resistance to common medicines, adverse reactions, and even fatalities.

ZAMRA encourages clearing agents to leverage their expertise to comply with these standards, ultimately safeguarding the health of Zambian citizens. Additionally, ZAMRA has developed a Service Delivery Charter in collaboration with the Ministry of Health—a “social contract” committing to consistently and efficiently deliver high-quality services. Siyanga assured clearing agents of ZAMRA’s dedication to providing necessary support and timely transaction processing.