Zambia Metrology Agency Recognises Dip Stick and Chart Method for Petroleum Imports from Tanzania
The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has announced the adoption of the dip stick and chart method as a recognised secondary reference measurement system for tanker trucks importing petroleum products into Zambia.
In a statement issued on 24 February 2026, ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni confirmed that dip sticks and calibration charts certified by the Weights and Measures Agency will now be accepted for fuel tankers entering Zambia from Tanzania.
Mr Nkobeni clarified that the dip stick and chart method will complement temperature-compensating bulk flow meters, which remain the primary and legally binding instruments for trade measurement during the loading and off-loading of petroleum products.
Bulk flow meters installed and verified in accordance with the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 will continue to determine fuel quantities at the point of custody transfer within Zambia.
The decision follows the signing of a Mutual Recognition Framework Agreement between ZMA and its Tanzanian counterpart on 10 December 2025.
The agreement was concluded under the guidance of Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade to enhance regulatory flexibility, strengthen measurement assurance in cross-border petroleum trade, and promote regional harmonisation of legal metrology standards.
Mr Nkobeni explained that the dip stick and chart method had previously not been implemented due to the absence of a domestic calibration facility capable of producing legally controlled tanker measurement instruments.
To address this gap, ZMA will conduct inter comparisons of national measurement standards with Tanzania to ensure traceability, technical equivalence, and sustained confidence in fuel trade measurements between the two countries.
He further clarified that the recognition applies exclusively to tanker trucks engaged in cross-border fuel importation. Tankers operating solely within Zambia will continue to use bulk flow meters and ullage mark systems as currently required and verified by ZMA.
The Agency noted that the approach reflects regional operational realities, including differences in loading systems Zambia predominantly using bottom-loading systems and Tanzania largely operating top loading systems while maintaining strict legal metrology controls and measurement accuracy.
ZMA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and transparency across the petroleum supply chain and encouraged stakeholders seeking clarification to engage the Agency through its official communication channels.
