The Cotton Act, 2025

THE COTTON ACT, 2025
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title and commencement
2. Interpretation
PART II
COTTON BOARD OF ZAMBIA
3. Continuation of Cotton Board of Zambia
4. Functions of Cotton Board of Zambia
5. Constitution of Board
6. Functions of Board
7. Director-General, Secretary and other staff
PART III
PRICE CONSULTATIVE FORUM
8. Price Consultative Forum
9. Functions of Price Consultative Forum
PART IV
REGISTRATION OF PRODUCERS AND GINNERS
10. Prohibition of producing, buying, selling, storing or
ginning seed cotton without certificate
11. Application for registration to produce, buy, sell, store
or gin cotton
12. Suspension or cancellation of certificate of registration
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101, Lusaka, Price K76.00 each
[No. 14 of 2025 185
Supplement to the Republic of Zambia Government
Gazette dated Tuesday, 30th December, 2025

30136, 10101, Lusaka, Price K76.00 each
[No. 14 of 2025 185
Supplement to the Republic of Zambia Government
Gazette dated Tuesday, 30th December, 2025

PART V
DISTINGUISHING MARKS
13. Prohibition of ginning or producing seed cotton
without distinguishing mark certificate
14. Registration of distinguishing mark
15. Suspension or cancellation of distinguishing mark
certificate
16. Marking of bag or receptacle with distinguishing mark
17. Publication of registered distinguishing marks
PART VI
LICENSING OF PRODUCERS AND GINNERS
18. Application and types of licences
19. Prohibition of buying, selling, importing or exporting
cotton without licence
20. Application for licence to buy, sell, import or export cotton
21. Validity of licence
22. Renewal of licence
23. Suspension or cancellation of licence
PART VII
COTTON DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND
24. Continuation of Cotton Development Trust Fund
25. Management and administration of Fund
26. Accounts and audit
27. Annual report
PART VIII
INSPECTORATE
28. Inspectors
29. Powers of inspectors
30. Obstruction of inspector
31. Arrest without warrant
186 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

port
PART VIII
INSPECTORATE
28. Inspectors
29. Powers of inspectors
30. Obstruction of inspector
31. Arrest without warrant
186 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 187
32. Seizure of property
33. Restoration of property
PART IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
34. Change in details
35. Duplicate certificate of registration, distinguishing mark
certificate and licence
36. Prohibition of transfer of certificate of registration,
distinguishing mark certificate or licence
37. Stages of grading and classification of seed cotton
38. Establishment of cotton seed production zone
39. Pesticide testing
40. Distribution of pesticide, seed and fertiliser
41. Extension service
42. Register
43. Publication of copies of register
44. Ad hoc Appeals Committee
45. Appeal
46. General penalty
47. Administrative penalty
48. Offence by principal officers of body corporate or
unicorporate body
49. Immunity from execution of judgment against assets of
Cotton Board of Zambia
50. Guidelines
51. Regulations
52. Repeal of Cap. 227, and savings and transitional
provisions
SCHEDULES

ment against assets of
Cotton Board of Zambia
50. Guidelines
51. Regulations
52. Repeal of Cap. 227, and savings and transitional
provisions
SCHEDULES

An Act to continue the existence of the Cotton Board of
Zambia and re-define its functions; re-constitute the Board
of the Cotton Board of Zambia and provide for its
functions; provide for the stages of grading and
classification of seed cotton; establish a Price
Consultative Forum; provide for the establishment of
seed production zones; repeal and replace the Cotton Act,
Cap. 227; and provide for matters connected with, or
incidental to, the foregoing.
[30th December, 2025
ENACTED by the Parliament of Zambia
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Cotton Act, 2025, and shall
come into operation on the date that the Minister may appoint by
statutory instrument.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“ad hoc Appeals Committee” means the ad hoc Appeals
Committee constituted under section 44;
“associate” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Anti-Corruption Act.
“Board” means the Board of the Cotton Board of Zambia
constituted under section 5;
Enactment
Short title
and
commen-
cement
Interpretation
GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA
ACT
No. 14 of 2025
Date of Assent: 23rd December, 2025
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 189
Cap. 91

title
and
commen-
cement
Interpretation
GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA
ACT
No. 14 of 2025
Date of Assent: 23rd December, 2025
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 189
Cap. 91

“certificate of registration” means a certificate of registration
issued under section 11;
“Chairperson” means a person appointed as Chairperson of
the Board under section 5;
“citizen” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Constitution;
“Cotton Board of Zambia” means the Cotton Board of Zambia
continued in existence under section 3;
“cotton” means the plant grown for seed cotton;
“Cotton Development Trust” means the Cotton Development
Trust established under a trust deed registered with the
Registrar of Lands and Deeds under the Lands and Deeds
Registry Act for the purpose of promoting cotton research
and developing varieties of cotton;
“cotton market” means a place where the buying and selling
of seed cotton occurs;
“cotton sector” means the producers and ginners of seed
cotton, but does not include weavers or spinners of cotton
or producers of textile products;
“cotton seed” means the propagative part of cotton grown
principally for seed cotton;
“distinguishing mark” means a sign, inscription, letter or number
which distinguishes seed cotton ginned or produced by a
ginner or producer from seed cotton ginned or produced
by another ginner or producer;
“distinguishing mark certificate” means a distinguishing mark
certificate issued under section 14;
“emoluments” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Constitution;
“Emoluments Commission” means the Emoluments
Commission established by the Constitution;
“Director-General” means a person appointed as Director-
General under section 7;
“ extension services” means a training in the production of
cotton provided to a person by the Cotton Development
Trust;
Cap.

General under section 7;
“ extension services” means a training in the production of
cotton provided to a person by the Cotton Development
Trust;
Cap.

1
Cap. 185
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
190 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

1
Cap. 185
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
190 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

“Fund” means the Cotton Development Trust Fund continued
in existence under section 24;
“gin” means the process of separating lint from seed cotton
and “ginning” and “ginned “ shall be construed accordingly;
“ginner” means a person who is registered to gin seed cotton
under section 11;
“indicative price” means the minimum price of cotton
determined by the Cotton Board of Zambia;
“inspector” means a person appointed as an inspector under
section 28;
“law enforcement officer” means—
(a) a police officer;
(b) officer of the Zambia Revenue Authority;
(c) an immigration officer;
(d) officer of the Defence Force;
(e) an officer of the Drug Enforcement Commission;
(f) an officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission; or
(g) any other person that the Minister may, by statutory
instrument appoint;
“legally disqualified” means the absence of legal capacity as
provided in section 4 of the Mental Health Act;
“levy” means a charge on lint and seed cotton determined by
the Cotton Board of Zambia;
“licence” means a licence issued under section 20;
“lint” means the fibre component of seed cotton that is
processed;
“packaging” means the prescribed manner in which lint and
seed cotton is packed, labelled and sealed;
“pre-finance” means a loan advance provided to a producer
in the form of a farming input and “pre-financed” and “pre-
financing” shall be construed according;
Cap.

means a loan advance provided to a producer
in the form of a farming input and “pre-financed” and “pre-
financing” shall be construed according;
Cap.

305
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 191

305
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 191

“Price Consultative Forum” means the Price Consultative
Forum constituted under section 8;
“producer” means a person, organisation or company engaged
in growing, promoting and marketing of cotton seed and is
registered under section 11;
“register” means a register kept and maintained under section
42;
“relative” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti
Corruption Act.

tion 11;
“register” means a register kept and maintained under section
42;
“relative” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti
Corruption Act.

“repealed Act” means the Cotton Act;
“Secretary” means the Secretary appointed under section 7;
“Seed Control and Certification Institute” means the Seed
Control and Certification Institute established under the
Plant Variety and Seeds Act;
“seed cotton” means cotton that is not ginned;
“seed production zone” means an area designated by the
Cotton Board of Zambia, in consultation with the Seed
Control and Certification Institute, for the purpose of cotton
seed multiplication;
“Vice Chairperson” means a person appointed as Vice
Chairperson of the Board under section 5;
“Zambia Agriculture Research Institute” means the
Department in the ministry responsible for agriculture
mandated to conduct agricultural research;
“Zambia Environmental Management Agency” means the
Zambia Environmental Management Agency established
under the Environmental Management Act and
“Zambia Qualifications Authority” means the Zambia
Qualifications Authority continued under the Zambia
Qualifications Authority Act, 2024. Cap. 91
Cap. 227
Cap. 236
Cap. 204
Act No. 8 of
2024
192 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

thority continued under the Zambia
Qualifications Authority Act, 2024. Cap. 91
Cap. 227
Cap. 236
Cap. 204
Act No. 8 of
2024
192 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

PART II
COTTON BOARD OF ZAMBIA
3. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia established under the
repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act as a body
corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, capable
of suing and being sued in its corporate name and with power,
subject to the provisions of this Act, to do all acts and things that a
body corporate may, by law, do or perform. (2) The First Schedule applies to the Cotton Board of Zambia. 4.

this Act, to do all acts and things that a
body corporate may, by law, do or perform. (2) The First Schedule applies to the Cotton Board of Zambia. 4.

The functions of the Cotton Board of Zambia are to—
(a) regulate and monitor the production, ginning, and
marketing of seed cotton;
(b) regulate and monitor the importation and exportation of
lint;
(c) set the standards relating to the quality of cotton in the
field, seed cotton, cotton seed and lint;
(d) promote the production of good quality cotton;
(e) set the standard input package of cotton seed, pesticide
and fertilizer per hectare of the cotton crop;
(f) determine the seed cotton levy;
(g) determine and review indicative prices of seed cotton;
(h) determine and declare when, and where, a cotton market
shall occur;
(i) facilitate and support research and development of the
cotton industry;
(j) maintain a record of the pre-financing provided to cotton
farmers;
(k) implement Government’s policies relating to the cotton
sector; and
(l) advise the Government on measures that are necessary
for the protection, control, promotion and development
of the cotton sector. Continuation
of Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Functions of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 193

promotion and development
of the cotton sector. Continuation
of Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Functions of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 193

5. (1) There is constituted the Board of the Cotton Board of
Zambia which consists of the following part time members appointed
by the Minister—
(a) a person with knowledge and experience in matters relating
to cotton, as the Chairperson;
(b) a representative of the ministry responsible for—
(i) agricultural; and
(ii) finance;
(c) a representative of the Attorney-General;
(d) a representatives of the most representative association
responsible for cotton farmers;
(e) a representatives of the most representative association
responsible for cotton ginners;
(f) a representative of Cotton Development Trust; and
(g) a representative of Seed Control and Certification
Institute; and
(h) a representative of the textile industry. (2) The ministries, institutions and organisations referred to in
subsection (1) shall nominate their representatives for appointment
by the Minister. (3) The members of the Board shall elect the Vice-Chairperson
from among themselves.

l nominate their representatives for appointment
by the Minister. (3) The members of the Board shall elect the Vice-Chairperson
from among themselves.

(4) A person shall not be nominated or appointed as a member
of the Board if that person is—
(a) an undischarged bankrupt;
(b) convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty
under any written law;
(c) convicted of an offence under this Act or any written law
and sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding
six months without an option of a fine; or
(d) legally disqualified. (5) The First Schedule applies to the Board. 6. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Board
shall provide strategic policy direction to the Cotton Board of
Zambia. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of
the Board are to—
Functions
of Board
Constitution
of Board
194 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of
the Board are to—
Functions
of Board
Constitution
of Board
194 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(a) approve the policies, programmes and strategies of the
Cotton Board of Zambia;
(b) approve the annual budget estimates and financial
statements of the Cotton Board of Zambia;
(c) approve the annual work plan, action plans and activity
reports of the Cotton Board of Zambia;
(d) monitor and evaluate the performance of the Cotton Board
of Zambia against budgets and plans; and
(e) promote the effective corporate governance of the Cotton
Board of Zambia. (3) The Board may, by direction in writing and on conditions
that the Board considers necessary, delegate to the Director-General
any of the Board’s functions under this Act. (4) A delegation made under subsection (3) shall not prevent
the Board from performing the functions so delegated. (5) The Minister may give to the Board general or specific
directions relating to the performance of the Board’s functions
and the Board shall give effect to those directions to the extent
that those directions are not inconsistent with the Act or any other
written law. 7.

and the Board shall give effect to those directions to the extent
that those directions are not inconsistent with the Act or any other
written law. 7.

(1) The Board shall appoint a Director-General who shall
be—
(a) the chief executive officer of the Cotton Board of Zambia;
and
(b) responsible for the day-to-day administration of Cotton
Board of Zambia under the direction of the Board;
(2) The Director-General shall be an ex-officio member of the
Board. (3) The Board shall appoint a Secretary and other staff of the
Cotton Board of Zambia that the Board considers necessary for
the performance of the functions of the Cotton Board of Zambia. (4) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the
recommendation of the Board, determine the emoluments and terms
and conditions of services of the Director-General, Secretary and
other staff of the Cotton Board of Zambia. Director-
General,
Secretary
and other
staff
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 195

the Director-General, Secretary and
other staff of the Cotton Board of Zambia. Director-
General,
Secretary
and other
staff
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 195

PART III
PRICE CONSULTATIVE FORUM
8. (1) There is constituted the Price Consultative Forum which
consists of the following part time members appointed by the
Minister:
(a) a representative of the ministry responsible for commerce,
trade and industry, as the chairperson;
(b) a representative of the ministry responsible for agriculture;
(c) a representative of the Cotton Board of Zambia;
(d) a representative of the most representative association
responsible for cotton farmers;
(e) a representative of the Cotton Development Trust; and
(f) a representative of the most representative association
responsible for cotton ginners. (2) The ministries, institutions and organisations referred to
in subsection(1) shall nominate their representatives for
appointment by the Minister. (3) The members of the Price Consultative Forum shall elect
the vice chairperson of the Price Consultative Forum from the
members referred to under subsection(1)(d)(e) or (f).

ice Consultative Forum shall elect
the vice chairperson of the Price Consultative Forum from the
members referred to under subsection(1)(d)(e) or (f).

(4) A person shall not be nominated or appointed as a member
of the Price Consultative Forum if that person is—
(a) an undischarged bankrupt;
(b) convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty
under any written law;
(c) convicted of an offence under this Act or any written law
and sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding
six months without an option of a fine; or
(d) legally disqualified. (5) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall provide secretarial
services to the Price Consultative Forum. (6) First Schedule applies to the Price Consultative Forum. Price
Consultative
Forum
196 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

vices to the Price Consultative Forum. (6) First Schedule applies to the Price Consultative Forum. Price
Consultative
Forum
196 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

9. The functions of the Price Consultative Forum are to—
(a) review and compare the different prices of seed cotton in
the region for purposes of establishing the indicative
prices of cotton to be charged in the Republic;
(b) recommend the minimum indicative prices of cotton to
the Board; and
(c) review and compare cotton pricing models submitted by
stakeholders for purposes of establishing standard prices
that can be offered by ginners to producers. PART IV
REGISTRATION OF PRODUCERS AND GINNERS
10. (1) A person shall not produce, buy, sell, store, gin, import
or export seed cotton, for commercial purposes, without a certificate
of registration issued under this Act. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years or, to both. 11. (1) A person who intends to produce, buy, sell, store, gin,
import or export seed cotton, for commercial purposes, shall apply
to the Cotton Board of Zambia for registration in the prescribed
manner and form on payment of a prescribed fee.

for commercial purposes, shall apply
to the Cotton Board of Zambia for registration in the prescribed
manner and form on payment of a prescribed fee.

(2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, within thirty days of
receipt of an application under subsection (1), approve or reject
the application. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where an applicant
satisfies the prescribed requirements, issue the applicant with a
certificate of registration in a prescribed form. (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects an application under subsection (2), inform the
applicant in writing, stating the reasons for the rejection. (5) A certificate of registration shall remain the property of
the Cotton Board of Zambia and shall have unlimited period of
validity, unless suspended or cancelled under this Act. Functions of
Price
Consultative
Forum
Prohibition
of
producing,
buying,
selling,
storing or
ginning seed
cotton
without
certificate
Application
for
registration
to
produce,
buy,
sell, store or
gin cotton
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 197

storing or
ginning seed
cotton
without
certificate
Application
for
registration
to
produce,
buy,
sell, store or
gin cotton
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 197

12. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Cotton
Board of Zambia may suspend or cancel a certificate of registration
if the holder of the certificate of registration—
(a) contravenes a provision of this Act;
(b) buys seed cotton that was pre-financed without the prior
written consent of the person who pre financed the seed
cotton;
(c) distributes seed cotton which is not certified in accordance
with the Plant Variety and Seeds Act;
(d) fails to comply with any term or condition of the certificate
of registration;
(e) obtained the certificate of registration through fraud,
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact; or
(f) is convicted of an offence under this Act and sentenced to
imprisonment for a term exceeding six months without
the option of a fine.

ial fact; or
(f) is convicted of an offence under this Act and sentenced to
imprisonment for a term exceeding six months without
the option of a fine.

(2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, before suspending or
cancelling a certificate of registration in accordance with subsection
(1), notify the holder of the certificate of registration of the Cotton
Board of Zambia’s intention to suspend or cancel the certificate of
registration and shall—
(a) give reasons for the intended suspension or cancellation;
and
(b) require the holder of the certificate of registration to show
cause, within a period of not more than thirty days, why
the certificate of registration should not be suspended
or cancelled. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall not suspend or cancel a
certificate of registration under this section if the holder takes
remedial measures to the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia
within the period specified under subsection (2)(b). (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall suspend or cancel a
certificate of registration if the holder, after being notified under
subsection (2), fails to show cause or does not take remedial
measures to the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia within
the period specified in that subsection. Suspension
or
cancellation
of certificate
of
registration
Cap 236
198 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

of Zambia within
the period specified in that subsection. Suspension
or
cancellation
of certificate
of
registration
Cap 236
198 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(5) A holder of a certificate of registration that is cancelled
shall, within thirty days of being notified of the cancellation,
surrender the certificate of registration to the Cotton Board of
Zambia. (6) A person who contravenes subsection (5) commits an
offence. (7) A person whose certificate of registration is cancelled
under this section may, within thirty days from the date of
cancellation of the certificate of registration apply for re registration
in the prescribed manner and form and on payment the prescribed
fee, where that person takes remedial measures to the satisfaction
of the Cotton Board of Zambia. PART V
DISTINGUISHING MARKS
13. (1) A ginner or producer of seed cotton registered under
section 11 shall not gin or produce seed cotton without a
distinguishing mark certificate issued under this Act. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years or, to both. 14.

le, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years or, to both. 14.

(1) A ginner or producer of seed cotton shall, on receipt of
a certificate of registration issued under section 11, submit a
distinguishing mark to the Cotton Board of Zambia for approval. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, within thirty days of
receipt of the distinguishing mark referred to under subsection
(1), approve or reject the distinguishing mark. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall approve and register
the distinguishing mark referred to under section (1) and issue the
ginner or producer of seed cotton with a distinguishing mark
certificate in a prescribed form if the ginner or producer of seed
cotton satisfies the prescribed requirements. (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects the distinguishing mark under subsection (2),
inform the ginner or producer of seed cotton, in writing, stating
the reasons for the rejection. Prohibition
of ginning
or
producing
seed cotton
without
distinguishing
mark
certificate
Registration
of
distinguishing
mark
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 199

Prohibition
of ginning
or
producing
seed cotton
without
distinguishing
mark
certificate
Registration
of
distinguishing
mark
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 199

(5) The Cotton Board of Zambia may, where the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects the distinguishing mark under subsection (2),
require the ginner or producer of seed cotton to submit an alternative
distinguishing mark. 15. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Cotton
Board of Zambia may suspend or cancel a distinguishing mark
certificate if the holder of the certificate—
(a) contravenes a provision of this Act;
(b)fails to comply with a term or condition of the
distinguishing mark certificate;
(c) obtained the distinguishing mark certificate through fraud,
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact; or
(d) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other
written law and sentenced to imprisonment for a term
exceeding six months without the option of a fine.

cted of an offence under this Act or any other
written law and sentenced to imprisonment for a term
exceeding six months without the option of a fine.

(2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, before suspending or
cancelling a distinguishing mark certificate in accordance with
subsection (1), notify the holder of the distinguishing mark
certificate of the Cotton Board of Zambia’s intention to suspend
or cancel the certificate and shall—
(a) give reasons for the intended suspension or cancellation;
and
(b) require the holder of the distinguishing mark certificate
to show cause, within a period of not more than thirty
days, why the certificate should not be suspended or
cancelled. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall not suspend or cancel a
distinguishing mark certificate under this section if the holder takes
remedial measures to the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia
within the period specified under subsection (2)(b). (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall suspend or cancel a
distinguishing mark certificate if the holder, having been notified
in accordance with subsection (2), fails to show cause or does not
take remedial measures to the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of
Zambia within the period specified under subsection 2(b). Suspension
or
cancellation
of
distinguishing
mark
certificate
200 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

of
Zambia within the period specified under subsection 2(b). Suspension
or
cancellation
of
distinguishing
mark
certificate
200 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(5) A holder of a distinguishing mark certificate that is cancelled
shall, within thirty days of being notified of the cancellation, surrender
the distinguishing mark certificate to the Cotton Board of Zambia. (6) A person who contravenes subsection (5) commits an
offence. (7) A holder of a distinguishing mark certificate that is cancelled
may, within thirty days from the date of the cancellation of the
distinguishing mark certificate, apply for the re-registration of the
distinguishing mark certificate in the prescribed manner and form
and on payment of the prescribed fee, if that person takes remedial
measures to the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia. 16. (1) A ginner or producer of seed cotton shall not —
(a) use the distinguishing mark of another ginner or producer
of seed cotton;
(b) impersonate another ginner or producer of seed cotton. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand panalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years, or to both. (3) A package containing seed cotton shall be marked, sealed
and labelled in a prescribed manner. 17.

for a term not
exceeding five years, or to both. (3) A package containing seed cotton shall be marked, sealed
and labelled in a prescribed manner. 17.

The Cotton Board of Zambia shall publish the details of
registered distinguishing marks in the Gazette and a newspaper of
daily circulation in the Republic. PART VI
LICENSING OF PRODUCERS AND GINNERS
18. (1) This Part applies to persons who are registered under
Part IV of this Act. (2) For the purposes of this Act, the Cotton Board of Zambia
shall issue the following licences:
(a) a cotton ginner’s licence; and
(b) a cotton producer’s licence. Marking of
bag
or
receptacle
with
distinguishing
mark
Publication
of registered
distinguishing
marks
Application
and types
of licences
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 201

bag
or
receptacle
with
distinguishing
mark
Publication
of registered
distinguishing
marks
Application
and types
of licences
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 201

19. (1) Subject to section 11, a person shall not produce, buy,
sell, store, gin, import or export seed cotton, for commercial
purposes, without a licence issued under this Act. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years, or to both. 20. (1) A person registered under this Act who intends to
produce, buy, sell, store, gin, import or export seed cotton, for
commercial purposes shall apply to the Cotton Board of Zambia
for a licence in the prescribed manner and form on payment of a
prescribed fee. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, within thirty days of
receipt of an application under subsection (1), approve or reject
the application. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where an applicant
satisfies the prescribed requirements, issue the applicant with a
licence in a prescribed form. (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects an application under subsection (3), inform the
applicant in writing, stating the reasons for the rejection. 21.

re the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects an application under subsection (3), inform the
applicant in writing, stating the reasons for the rejection. 21.

A licence issued under section 20 shall be valid for one
year. 22. (1) A holder of a licence may, thirty days before the
expiration of the licence, apply to the Cotton Board of Zambia for
the renewal of the licence in the prescribed manner and form on
payment of a prescribed fee. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, within thirty days of
receipt of an application under subsection (1), approve or reject
the application. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where an applicant
satisfies the prescribed requirements, issue the applicant with a
renewed licence in a prescribed form. (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects an application under subsection (2), inform the
applicant, in writing, stating the reasons for the rejection. Prohibition
of
buying,
selling,
importing or
exporting
cotton
without
licence
Application
for licence to
buy,
sell, import
or export
cotton
Validity of
licence
Renewal of
licence
202 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

cotton
without
licence
Application
for licence to
buy,
sell, import
or export
cotton
Validity of
licence
Renewal of
licence
202 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

23. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Cotton
Board of Zambia may suspend or cancel a licence if the holder of
the licence—
(a) contravenes a provision of this Act;
(b) fails to comply with any term or condition of the licence;
(c) obtained the licence through fraud, misrepresentation or
concealment of a material fact; or
(d) is convicted of an offence under this Act and sentenced
to imprisonment for a term exceeding six months
without the option of a fine. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, before suspending or
cancelling a licence in accordance with subsection (1), notify the
holder of the licence of the Cotton Board of Zambia’s intention to
suspend or cancel the licence and shall
(a) give reasons for the intended suspension or cancellation;
and
(b) require the holder of the licence to show cause, within a
period of not more than thirty days, why the licence
should not be suspended or cancelled. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall not suspend or cancel a
licence under this section if the holder takes remedial measures to
the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia within the period
specified under subsection (2)(b).

s section if the holder takes remedial measures to
the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia within the period
specified under subsection (2)(b).

(4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall suspend or cancel a
licence if the holder, having been notified in accordance with
subsection (2), fails to show cause or does not take remedial
measures to the satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia within
the period specified under that subsection. (5) A holder of a licence that is cancelled shall, within thirty
days of being notified of the cancellation, surrender the licence to
the Cotton Board of Zambia. (6) A person who contravenes subsection (5) commits an
offence. (7) A holder of a licence that is cancelled may, within thirty
days from the date of the cancellation of the licence apply for re-
registration in the prescribed manner and form and on payment of
the prescribed fee, if that person takes remedial measures to the
satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia. Suspension
or
cancellation
of licence
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 203

hat person takes remedial measures to the
satisfaction of the Cotton Board of Zambia. Suspension
or
cancellation
of licence
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 203

PART VII
COTTON DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND
24. (1) The Cotton Development Trust Fund established under
the repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act for
purposes of cotton development. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the Fund may be
applied for the purposes of—
(a) research and development in cotton;
(b) extension services of cotton farmers;
(c) cotton seed production and multiplication;
(d) cotton seed quality control;
(e) phytosanitary and quarantine on cotton; or
(f)any other matter relating to development of cotton, as may
be prescribed. (3) The Fund consists of monies that may—
(a) be appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the
Fund;
(b) subject to the Public Finance Management Act be received
by way of grants and donations from any source, with
the approval of the Minister;
(c) be received by way of levies;
(d) be paid to the Fund by way of fees;
(e) vest in, or accrue to, the Fund; or
(f)be payable to the Fund by or under any other written law. (4) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act, the Cotton
Board of Zambia may invest any monies of the Fund that are not
immediately required for the purpose of the Fund. 25.

inance Management Act, the Cotton
Board of Zambia may invest any monies of the Fund that are not
immediately required for the purpose of the Fund. 25.

(1) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act, the
Fund shall be managed and administered by the Cotton Board of
Zambia. (2) The Minister shall ensure that prudent controls are
established for the Fund relating to—
(a) fiscal controls and accounting procedures governing the
Fund;
(b) reporting procedures for matters relating to the Fund; and
(c) investment of the monies of the Fund. Continuation
of Cotton
Development
Trust
Fund
Cap. 347
Cap. 347
Management
and
administration
of Fund
Cap. 347
204 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

of the Fund. Continuation
of Cotton
Development
Trust
Fund
Cap. 347
Cap. 347
Management
and
administration
of Fund
Cap. 347
204 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

26. (1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and other records relating to the accounts of the Fund. (2) The Fund shall be audited annually by the Auditor-General
or an auditor appointed by the Auditor-General. (3) The fees for the audit of the Fund shall be paid by the
Cotton Board of Zambia. 27. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, as soon as
practicable, but not later than ninety days after the end of the
financial year, submit to the Minister a report concerning the
activities of the Fund during the financial year. (2) The report referred to under subsection (1), shall include
information on the financial affairs relating to the Fund and there
shall be appended to the report—
(a) an audited statement of financial position;
(b) an audited statement of comprehensive income and
expenditure; and
(c) other information that the Minister may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first
siting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report
referred to in subsection (2), lay the report before the National
Assembly. PART VIII
INSPECTORATE
28.

ional Assembly next after receipt of the report
referred to in subsection (2), lay the report before the National
Assembly. PART VIII
INSPECTORATE
28.

(1) The Cotton Board of Zambia may appoint suitably
qualified persons as inspectors for the purposes of ensuring
compliance with this Act. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall issue an inspector with
an identification card which shall be prima facie evidence of the
inspector’s appointment. (3) An inspector shall, in performing any function under this
Act—
(a) be in possession of the identification card referred to in
subsection (2); and
(b) show the identification card to any person who requests
to see the identification card or is the subject of an
inspection or investigation under this Act. Accounts
and audit
Annual
report
Inspectors
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 205

cation card or is the subject of an
inspection or investigation under this Act. Accounts
and audit
Annual
report
Inspectors
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 205

29.

29.

(1) An inspector may, for the purpose of enforcing the
provisions of this Act, at any reasonable time and without notice—
(a) enter, inspect and search any land, building, premises or
vehicle, where the inspector has reasonable grounds to
believe that an offence has been committed or is likely
to be committed;
(b) search a person who the inspector has reasonable grounds
to believe is carrying out an activity in contravention of
this Act, except that a person shall only be searched by
a person of the same sex;
(c) examine any book, document, record or article found on
any land, building, premises or vehicle that has a bearing
on an inspection or investigation;
(d) seize any book, document, record or article found on any
land, building premises or vehicle which has been used
or is being used for the commission of an offence under
this Act;
(e) take or cause to be taken a sample of any substance or
article which an inspector has reasonable ground to
suspect may be, or may contain or be contaminated with
a substance that is a risk to the development of cotton;
(f) take an extract from, or make a copy of any book, document
or record that is found on any land, building, premises
or vehicle that has a bearing on an inspection; and
(g) require the production of a book, document, record or
article found on any land, building, premises or vehicle
from an owner or occupier of the land, building,
premises or vehicle that has a bearing on an inspection.

d on any land, building, premises or vehicle
from an owner or occupier of the land, building,
premises or vehicle that has a bearing on an inspection.

(2) An owner or occupier of any land, building, premises or
vehicle shall afford an inspector access to any information, record
or document for the purpose of an inspection and produce to an
inspector, any information, record or document that the inspector
may require for the purposes of carrying out an inspection under
this Act. (3) An inspector may, in the performance of the functions of
the inspector under this section, be accompanied and assisted by a
law enforcement officer. (4) An inspector who removes anything from any land, building,
premises or vehicle inspected under this section shall—
Powers of
Inspectors
206 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

who removes anything from any land, building,
premises or vehicle inspected under this section shall—
Powers of
Inspectors
206 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(a) issue a receipt for anything removed to the owner, occupier
or the person in control of the land, building, premises or
vehicle; and
(b) return anything removed as soon as practicable after the
thing removed has served the purpose for which it was
removed. (5) An inspector shall enter a private dwelling house, land,
building or premises occupied as a private dwelling with a warrant. (6) A court may issue a warrant on application by an inspector
if it appears from written information given by that inspector, on
oath or affirmation, that there are reasonable grounds to believe
that this Act has been or is likely to be contravened. (7) An inspector shall furnish the Director-General with a
written report and any other information relating to an inspection. 30.

to be contravened. (7) An inspector shall furnish the Director-General with a
written report and any other information relating to an inspection. 30.

(1) A person commits an offence if that person—
(a) willfully delays or obstructs an inspector in the
performance of the inspector’s functions under this Act;
(b) refuses to give an inspector reasonable assistance as the
inspector may require for the purposes of performing
the inspector’s functions;
(c) impersonates an inspector or presents oneself to be an
inspector; or
(d) knowingly or negligently gives an inspector false or
misleading information orally, in writing or otherwise. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1), commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period
not exceeding five years, or to both. 31. (1) A law enforcement officer may arrest a person, without
a warrant, where the law enforcement officer has reasonable
grounds to believe that the person—
(a) has committed an offence under this Act;
(b) is about to commit an offence under this Act and there is
no other way to prevent the commission of the offence;
or
(c) is willfully obstructing an inspector in the execution of the
inspector’s functions. Obstruction
of
inspector
Arrest
without
warrant
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 207

lly obstructing an inspector in the execution of the
inspector’s functions. Obstruction
of
inspector
Arrest
without
warrant
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 207

(2) A law enforcement officer who makes an arrest under
subsection (1) shall, without undue delay, have the person arrested
brought before a court of competent jurisdiction. 32. A law enforcement officer may seize and detain property
which the law enforcement officer has reason to believe was used
to commit an offence under this Act until an order of the court is
made regarding the disposal thereof. 33. (1) A law enforcement officer shall, where a person from
whom an article or other property has been seized under section
32 is found not guilty or the proceedings against that person are
withdrawn—
(a) without unnecessary delay, restore the article or property
to that person; or
(b) where the law enforcement officer is satisfied that the
person cannot be found or is unwilling to receive back
the article or property, apply to the court for an order of
forfeiture of the article or property in accordance with
the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act.

icle or property, apply to the court for an order of
forfeiture of the article or property in accordance with
the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act.

(2) A court shall make an order of forfeiture under subsection
(1) if—
(a) the law enforcement officer has given notice, by
publication in the Gazette and in a daily newspaper of
general circulation in the Republic, to the effect that
the article or property which has been seized under this
Act shall vest in the State if it is not claimed within
three months from the date of publication of the notice;
and
(b) three months after the giving of the notice under paragraph
(a), the article or property remains unclaimed. (3) Where a claim is made, in writing, by any person that is
lawfully entitled to the article or property seized under this Act
that the article or property is not liable to forfeiture under this Act,
the law enforcement officer may order the release of the article or
property to the claimant if satisfied that there is no dispute
concerning the ownership of the article or property and that it is
not liable to forfeiture. (4) A law enforcement officer shall refer a claim to a court
where a claim of ownership is made in relation to the article or
property seized under this Act and the law enforcement officer
finds that—
Seizure of
property
Restoration
of
property
Cap.

relation to the article or
property seized under this Act and the law enforcement officer
finds that—
Seizure of
property
Restoration
of
property
Cap.

103
208 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

103
208 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(a) there is a dispute regarding the ownership of the article
or property;
(b) there is insufficient evidence to determine the ownership
of the article or property; or
(c) a law enforcement officer is unable to ascertain whether
the article or property is liable to forfeiture or not. PART IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
34. A holder of a certificate of registration, distinguishing mark
certificate or licence shall notify the Cotton Board of Zambia of
any change in the particulars relating to the certificate of
registration, distinguishing mark certificate or licence within seven
days of the change. 35. (1) A person whose certificate of registration,
distinguishing mark certificate or licence is destroyed, defaced or
lost may apply to the Cotton Board of Zambia for a duplicate
certificate of registration, distinguishing mark certificate or licence
in the prescribed manner and form on payment of the prescribed
fee. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, within thirty days of
receipt of an application under subsection (1), approve or reject
the application.

ed
fee. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, within thirty days of
receipt of an application under subsection (1), approve or reject
the application.

(3) The Cotton Board of Zambia may, on receipt of an
application under subsection (1), issue to the applicant a duplicate
certificate of registration, distinguishing mark certificate or licence. (4) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, where the Cotton Board
of Zambia rejects an application under subsection (1), inform the
applicant, in writing, stating the reasons for the rejection. 36. (1) A certificate of registration, distinguishing mark
certificate or licence issued under this Act shall not be transferred
to a third party. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years, or to both. 37. (1) A ginner who purchases seed cotton shall grade and
classify seed cotton at the following stages:
Change in
details
Duplicate
certificate of
registration,
distinguishing
mark
certificate
and licence
Prohibition
of transfer
of certificate
of
registration,
distinguishing
mark
certificate
or licence
Stages of
grading and
classification
of seed cotton
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 209

certificate
of
registration,
distinguishing
mark
certificate
or licence
Stages of
grading and
classification
of seed cotton
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 209

(a) point of purchase;
(b) ginnery; or
(c) post-processing. (2) The grading and classification of seed cotton shall be as
prescribed. (3) The Cotton Board of Zambia, where a ginner or producer
submits proof of registration under subsection (2), assign a ginner
or producer a cotton seed production zone. 38. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, in consultation with
the Seed Control and Certification Institute, designate a cotton
seed production zone as prescribed. (2) The Cotton Board may, on request by a producer, allocate
a cotton seed production zone to that producer. 39. A person who intends to introduce a pesticide in the process
of seed cotton production shall—
(a) apply for the registration of the pesticide in accordance
with the Environmental Management Act; and
(b) ensure that the pesticide is tested at an institution that the
Minister, may by statutory instrument, designate. 40.

ronmental Management Act; and
(b) ensure that the pesticide is tested at an institution that the
Minister, may by statutory instrument, designate. 40.

(1) A person shall not, for the purposes of growing cotton,
distribute to a farmer—
(a) cotton seed without approval from the Seed Control and
Certification Institute;
(b) fertiliser that does not meet the standards set by the Zambia
Agriculture Research Institute; or
(c) a pesticide, without a certificate of registration of that
pesticide issued in accordance with the Environmental
Management Act. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years, or to both. 41. (1) A person shall not provide extension services in the
cotton sector unless that person has undergone training in seed
cotton production conducted by the Cotton Development Trust. Pesticide
testing
Cap. 204
Distribution
of
pesticide,
seed
and fertilizer
Cap. 204
Extension
service
Establishment
of cotton
seed
production
zone
210 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

204
Distribution
of
pesticide,
seed
and fertilizer
Cap. 204
Extension
service
Establishment
of cotton
seed
production
zone
210 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply where an extension service
is provided by the Cotton Development Trust. (3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of five hundred
thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years, or to both. 42. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall keep and maintain a
register of—
(a) certificates of registration issued under this Act;
(b) registered distinguishing marks;
(c) licences issued under this Act; and
(d) any other information that the Board may determine.

d under this Act;
(b) registered distinguishing marks;
(c) licences issued under this Act; and
(d) any other information that the Board may determine.

(2) The register referred to under subsection (1) shall contain
the following information:
(a) in the case of a certificate of registration—
(i) the name of a registered person under section 11;
(ii) the type of cotton trade;
(iii) cotton farmers pre-financing information; and
(iv) the amount of cotton purchases from each cotton
farmer;
(b) in the case of a licence—
(i) all purchases, sales or movement of cotton;
(ii) the quantity of cotton processed; and
(iii) the name and address of the owner, vendor or
purchaser of cotton;
(c) in the case of a distinguishing mark certificate—
(i) the name and address of a holder of a
distinguishing mark certificate;
(ii) packaging of seed cotton by a holder of a
distinguishing mark certificate; and
(iii) holders of a distinguishing mark certificate; and
(d) any other information that the Board may determine. Register
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 211

nd
(iii) holders of a distinguishing mark certificate; and
(d) any other information that the Board may determine. Register
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 211

(3) The register referred to under subsection (1), shall be kept
by the Secretary at the offices of the Cotton Board of Zambia and
shall be open for inspection to members of the public during normal
office hours on payment of a prescribed fee. (4) The Director-General may, on an application by a person,
issue to the person a certified extract from the register on payment
of a prescribed fee. 43. (1) The Director-General shall, on the direction of the
Board, cause copies of a register, and any alterations of, or additions
to, the register to be printed and published in the Gazette and a
daily newspaper of general circulation in the Republic. (2) Subject to this Act, a copy of the last printed and published
register is prima facie evidence in legal proceedings of what is
contained in that register and the absence of any name from that
copy shall be prima facie evidence that the person is not registered. 44. (1) There is constituted an ad hoc Appeals Committee
which shall consist of three members appointed by the Board.

at the person is not registered. 44. (1) There is constituted an ad hoc Appeals Committee
which shall consist of three members appointed by the Board.

(2) The functions of an ad hoc Appeals Committee are to—
(a) hear appeals made to the ad hoc Appeals Committee under
section 45(1); and
(b) perform other functions that are assigned to the ad hoc
Appeals Committee under this Act or any other written
law. 45. (1) A person who is aggrieved with a decision of the Cotton
Board of Zambia may, within fourteen days of the receipt of the
decision, appeal to an ad hoc Appeals Committee. (2) A person who is aggrieved with the decision of the ad hoc
Appeals Committee may, within thirty days of the decision, appeal
to the High Court. 46. A person who commits an offence under this Act, for which
a penalty is not provided is liable, on conviction, to a fine not
exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding three years, or to both. 47. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia may impose an
administrative penalty on a person for a failure to comply with a
provision of this Act which is not an offence. Publication
of copies of
register
Ad hoc
Appeals
Committee
Appeal
General
penalty
Administrative
penalty
212 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

is not an offence. Publication
of copies of
register
Ad hoc
Appeals
Committee
Appeal
General
penalty
Administrative
penalty
212 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(2) An administrative penalty shall not exceed the amount
prescribed by the Minister, by statutory instrument, for each day
during which the failure continues. (3) An administrative penalty shall be paid to the Cotton Board
of Zambia within the period specified by the Cotton Board of
Zambia. (4) If a person on whom an administrative penalty is imposed
in accordance with this section fails to pay the administrative
penalty within the time specified under subsection (3), the Cotton
Board of Zambia may, by way of civil action in a competent court,
recover the amount of the administrative penalty from that person
as an amount due and owing to the Cotton Board of Zambia. 48. Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body
corporate or an unincorporate body, with the knowledge, consent
or connivance of the director, manager, shareholder or partner of
the body corporate or an unincorporate body, that director, manager,
shareholder or partner is liable, on conviction, to the penalty
specified for the offence under this Act. 49.

ncorporate body, that director, manager,
shareholder or partner is liable, on conviction, to the penalty
specified for the offence under this Act. 49.

Where a judgment or court order is obtained against the
Cotton Board of Zambia, execution, attachments or process of any
nature shall not be issued against the Cotton Board of Zambia or
against the property of the Cotton Board of Zambia, but the Cotton
Board of Zambia shall cause to be paid out of the funds of the
Cotton Board of Zambia an amount that may, by judgment or court
order, be awarded against the Cotton Board of Zambia to the person
entitled to the amount. 50. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia may, in the exercise of
the functions of the Cotton Board of Zambia under this Act, issue
guidelines that are necessary for the better carrying out of the
provisions of this Act. (2) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall publish the guidelines
issued under this Act in a daily newspaper of general circulation
in the Republic or in the Gazette and any other electronic means
that the Cotton Board of Zambia may determine. (3) The guidelines issued by the Cotton Board of Zambia shall
take effect on the date of publication and shall bind all persons on
matters relating to this Act. 51.

ines issued by the Cotton Board of Zambia shall
take effect on the date of publication and shall bind all persons on
matters relating to this Act. 51.

(1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Cotton
Board of Zambia, by statutory instrument, make Regulations for
the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act. Offence by
principal
officers of
body
corporate or
unincorporate
body
Immunity
from
execution of
judgment
against
assets of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Guidelines
Regulations
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 213

e or
unincorporate
body
Immunity
from
execution of
judgment
against
assets of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Guidelines
Regulations
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 213

(2) Despite subsection (1), regulations made under subsection
(1) may make provision for—
(a) the manner and forms of making applications under this
Act and the fees payable;
(b) terms and conditions of a certificate and licence issued
under this Act;
(c) the condition in which premises specified in a certificate
of registration or licence shall be kept;
(d) the manner in which cotton shall be stored;
(e) returns which shall be kept under this Act;
(f) the manner in which a levy imposed under this Act shall
be collected;
(g) the forms to be used and the procedures to be followed on
any appeal under this Act;
(h) time to uproot and burn ratoon cotton plant without sprout
growing;
(i) persons who shall maintain, test cotton seed or monitor
the quality of cotton seed production;
(j) cotton seed imports and exports;
(k) the manner of labelling, marking or sealing of a package
of seed cotton or lint; and
(l) designation of a cotton seed production zone. 52. (1) The Cotton Act, 2005, is repealed. (2) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of the Second
Schedule apply in respect of the matters specified in the Second
Schedule. Repeal of
Act No.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of the Second
Schedule apply in respect of the matters specified in the Second
Schedule. Repeal of
Act No.

21
of 2005, and
savings and
transitional
provisions
214 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

21
of 2005, and
savings and
transitional
provisions
214 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

FIRST SCHEDULE
(Sections 3(2), 5(5), and 8 (6))
PART I
ADMINISTRATION OF THE COTTON BOARD OF ZAMBIA AND PRICE
CONSULTATIVE FORUM
1. (1) The seal of the Cotton Board of Zambia shall be a device
that may be determined by the Board and shall be kept by the
Director-General. (2) The affixing of the seal shall be authenticated by the
Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson and the Director-General or
any other person authorised in that behalf by a resolution of the
Board. (3) A contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed
by a person not being a body corporate, is not required to be under
seal, may be entered into or executed without seal on behalf of
the Cotton Board of Zambia by the Director-General or any other
person authorised in that behalf by a resolution of the Board. (4) A document purporting to be a document under the seal
of the Cotton Board of Zambia or issued on behalf of the Cotton
Board of Zambia shall be received in evidence and shall be
considered to be so executed or issued, without further proof,
unless the contrary is proved. 2.

of Zambia shall be received in evidence and shall be
considered to be so executed or issued, without further proof,
unless the contrary is proved. 2.

(1) A member of the Board shall, subject to other provisions
of this Act, hold office for a term of three years from the date of
appointment and may be re-appointed for a further and final term
of three years. (2) A member of the Price Consultative Forum shall, subject
to other provisions of this Act, hold office for a term of five years
from the date of appointment and shall not be re-appointed for a
further term. (3) A member of the Board and Price Consultative Forum
shall, on the expiration of the term for which the member is
appointed, continue to hold office until another member is
appointed, but in no case shall an extension of the period exceed
three months. (4) The office of a member of the Board or Price Consultative
Forum becomes vacant if the member—
Seal of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Tenure of
office and
vacancy
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 215

Board or Price Consultative
Forum becomes vacant if the member—
Seal of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Tenure of
office and
vacancy
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 215

(a) dies;
(b) is adjudged bankrupt under any written law;
(c) is absent, without reasonable excuse, from three
consecutive meetings of the Board or Price Consultative
Forum of which the member has had notice, without
the prior approval of the Board or Price Consultative
Forum;
(d) resigns, by giving one month’s notice in writing, to the
Minister;
(e) is legally disqualified from performing the functions of a
member of the Board or Price Consultative Forum;
(f) ceases to be an employee or a member of the ministry,
institution or organisation that nominated the member
of the Board or Price Consultative Forum; or
(g) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other
written law and sentenced to imprisonment for a term
exceeding six months without the option of a fine. (5) The Minister shall, where the office of a member of the
Board or Price Consultative Forum becomes vacant before the
expiry of the term of office, appoint another member of the Board
or Price Consultative Forum in place of that member, but that
member shall hold office as a member of the Board or Price
Consultative Forum only for the unexpired part of the term of the
Board or Price Consultative Forum. 3.

hold office as a member of the Board or Price
Consultative Forum only for the unexpired part of the term of the
Board or Price Consultative Forum. 3.

(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Board or
Price Consultative Forum may regulate its own procedure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of business at
least once every three months at a place and time that the
Chairperson may determine. (3) The Price Consultative Forum shall meet for the transaction
of business at least once every six months at a place and time that
the Price Consultative Forum may determine. (4) The Chairperson of the Board or chairperson of the Price
Consultative Forum shall, on giving notice of not less than fourteen
days, call for a meeting of the Board or Price Consultative Forum,
or where one third or more of the members of the Board or members
of the Price Consultative Forum so request, in writing, except that
if the urgency of a particular matter does not permit the giving of a
notice, a special meeting may be called on giving a shorter notice. Proceedings
of Board and
Price
Consultative
Forum
216 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

of a
notice, a special meeting may be called on giving a shorter notice. Proceedings
of Board and
Price
Consultative
Forum
216 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

(5) Five members shall form a quorum at a meeting of the
Board or Price Consultative Forum. (6) There shall preside at any meeting of the Board—
(a) the Chairperson;
(b) in the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson;
or
(c) in the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-
Chairperson, a member of the Board as the members of
the Board present may elect for the purpose of that
meeting. (7) There shall preside at any meeting of the Price Consultative
Forum—
(a) the chairperson of the Price Consultative Forum;
(b) in the absence of the chairperson of the Price Consultative
Forum, the vice-chairperson of the Price Consultative
Forum; or
(c) in the absence of the chairperson of the Price Consultative
Forum and the vice-chairperson of the Price
Consultative Forum, a member of the Price Consultative
Forum as the members of the Price Consultative Forum
present may elect for the purpose of that meeting.

tive Forum, a member of the Price Consultative
Forum as the members of the Price Consultative Forum
present may elect for the purpose of that meeting.

(8) A decision of the Board or Price Consultative Forum on
any question shall be by a majority of the members of the Board
or members of the Price Consultative Forum present and voting
at the meeting and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person
presiding at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to
the deliberative vote. (9) A member may, where the member is for any reason unable
to attend a meeting of the Board or a meeting of the Price
Consultative Forum, nominate another person, in writing, from
the same ministry, institution or organisation to attend a meeting
of the Board or a meeting of the Price Consultative Forum in that
member’s stead and that person shall be deemed to be a member
for the purpose of that meeting. (10) The Board or Price Consultative Forum may invite a person
whose presence is in the Board’s or Price Consultative Forum’s
opinion desirable to attend and to participate in the deliberations
of the meeting of the Board or Price Consultative Forum but that
person shall have no vote. Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 217

articipate in the deliberations
of the meeting of the Board or Price Consultative Forum but that
person shall have no vote. Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 217

(11) The Board or Price Consultative Forum shall cause minutes
to be kept of the proceedings of every meeting of the Board or
Price Consultative Forum and any committee of the Board. 4. (1) A member of the Board, a member of a committee of the
Board or a member of an ad hoc Appeals Committee shall be paid
allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on the
recommendation of the Minister, determine. (2) A member of the Price Consultative Forum shall not be
paid an allowance. 5. (1) A person who is present at a meeting of the Board, a
committee of the Board, the Price Consultative Forum or ad hoc
Appeals Committee at which any matter is the subject of
consideration and in which matter that person or that person’s
relative or associate is directly or indirectly interested in a private
capacity, shall, as soon as is practicable after the commencement
of the meeting, declare that interest and shall not, unless the Board,
the committee, the Price Consultative Forum or the ad hoc Appeals
Committee otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or
discussion of, or vote on, any question relating to that matter.

or the ad hoc Appeals
Committee otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or
discussion of, or vote on, any question relating to that matter.

(2) A disclosure of interest made under subparagraph (1) shall
be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which is made. 6. An action or other proceedings shall not lie or be instituted
against a member of the Board, a committee of the Board, a member
of a Price Consultative Forum, a member of an ad hoc Appeals
Committee or a member of staff of the Cotton Board of Zambia
for, or in respect of, an act or thing done or omitted to be done in
good faith in the exercise or performance of any of the powers,
functions or duties conferred under this Act. 7. (1) The Board may, for the purpose of performing its
functions under this Act, constitute a committee and delegate any
of its functions to the committee as the Board considers necessary. (2) The Board may appoint as members of a committee
persons who are or are not members, except that at least one member
of the Board shall be a member of a committee. (3) A member of a committee shall hold office for a period
that the Board may determine. (4) Subject to any specific or general directions of the Board,
a committee may regulate its own procedure. Immunity of
members
Allowances
Disclosure
of
interest
Committees
of Board
218 No.

directions of the Board,
a committee may regulate its own procedure. Immunity of
members
Allowances
Disclosure
of
interest
Committees
of Board
218 No.

14 of 2025] Cotton

14 of 2025] Cotton

8. (1) A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, given
by, or on behalf of, the Cotton Board of Zambia, the Price
Consultative Forum or the ad hoc Appeals Committee, publish or
disclose to an unauthorised person, other than in the course of
duties of that person, the contents of a document, communication
or information which relates to or which has come to the knowledge
of that person in the course of that person’s duties under this Act. (2) A person who contravenes subparagraph (1) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years, or to both. (3) A person who, having information which to that person’s
knowledge has been published or disclosed in contravention of
subparagraph (1), unlawfully publishes or communicates the
information to another person, commits an offence and is liable,
on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty
units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to
both. PART II
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
9.

ne not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty
units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to
both. PART II
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
9.

(1) The funds of the Cotton Board of Zambia consist of
monies that may—
(a) be appropriated to the Cotton Board of Zambia by
Parliament;
(b) subject to the Public Finance Management Act, 2018, be
received by way of grants or donations from any source
within the Republic and subject to the approval of the
Minister, from any source outside the Republic;
(c) be paid to the Cotton Board of Zambia by way of charges
or fees; and
(d) vest in or accrue to the Cotton Board of Zambia. (2) There shall be paid from the funds of the Cotton Board of
Zambia—
Prohibition
of
publication
or disclosure
of
information
to
unauthorised
person
Funds of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Cap 347
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 219

bia—
Prohibition
of
publication
or disclosure
of
information
to
unauthorised
person
Funds of
Cotton
Board of
Zambia
Cap 347
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 219

(a) the salaries, allowances and loans of members of staff of
the Cotton Board of Zambia;
(b) reasonable travelling, transport and subsistence
allowances for members of the Board or members of
any committee of the Board when engaged in the
business of Cotton Board of Zambia, at rates that the
Emoluments Commission may, on the recommendation
of the Minister, determine; and
(c) any other expenses incurred by the Cotton Board of
Zambia in the performance of the Cotton Board of
Zambia’s functions. (3) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act, 2018, the
Cotton Board of Zambia may invest, in a manner that the Board
considers appropriate, funds of the Cotton Board of Zambia that it
does not immediately require for the performance of the Cotton
Board of Zambia’s functions. 10. The financial year of the Cotton Board of Zambia shall be
a period of twelve months ending on 31st December in each year. 11. (1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and other records relating to the accounts of the Cotton
Board of Zambia. (2) The accounts of the Cotton Board of Zambia shall be
audited annually by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed
by the Auditor-General.

ambia. (2) The accounts of the Cotton Board of Zambia shall be
audited annually by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed
by the Auditor-General.

(3) The Auditor’s fees shall be paid by the Cotton Board of
Zambia. 12. (1) The Cotton Board of Zambia shall, as soon as
practicable, but not later than ninety days after the end of the
financial year, submit to the Minister a report concerning the
activities of the Cotton Board of Zambia during the financial year. (2) The report referred to in subparagraph (1) shall include
information on the financial affairs of the Cotton Board of Zambia
and there shall be appended to the report—
(a) an audited statement of financial position;
(b) an audited statement of comprehensive income and
expenditure; and
(c) any other information that the Minister may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first
sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report
referred to in subparagraph (1), lay the report before the National
Assembly. Financial
year
Accounts
and
audit
Annual
report
Cap 347
220 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

o in subparagraph (1), lay the report before the National
Assembly. Financial
year
Accounts
and
audit
Annual
report
Cap 347
220 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton

SECOND SCHEDULE
(Section 52)
1. In this Schedule “former Board” means the Cotton Board
of Zambia established under the repealed Act. 2. A person who immediately before the commencement of
this Act held office as a member of the former Board shall continue
to hold office as a member for a period of three months after which
the Minister shall appoint the members of the Board in accordance
with this Act. 3. (1) For the avoidance of doubt, a person who, before the
commencement of this Act, was an officer or employee of the
former Board, shall continue to be an officer or employee of the
Cotton Board of Zambia, as if appointed or employed under this
Act. (2) The service of the persons referred to, in subparagraph (1)
shall be treated as continuous service. (3) Nothing in this Act affects the rights and liabilities of any
person employed or appointed by the former Board before this Act
comes into force. 4.

3) Nothing in this Act affects the rights and liabilities of any
person employed or appointed by the former Board before this Act
comes into force. 4.

(1) A certificate of registration, licence or distinguishing
mark certificate issued under the repealed Act, shall continue to
be valid until expiry, revocation or surrender, as if the certificate
of registration, licence or distinguishing mark certificate was issued
in accordance with this Act. (2) An application for a certificate of registration, licence or
distinguishing mark certificate pending under the repealed Act,
shall be issued in accordance with this Act. 5. (1) On or after the commencement of this Act, there shall
be transferred to, vest in and subsist against the Cotton Board of
Zambia by virtue of this Act and without further assurance, all
assets, rights and obligations which immediately before that date
were the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former
Board.

rance, all
assets, rights and obligations which immediately before that date
were the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former
Board.

(2) Subject to subparagraph (1), every deed, bond and
agreement, other than an agreement for personnel service, to which
the former Board was a party immediately before the
commencement of this Act whether or not of a nature that rights,
liabilities and obligations could be assigned, shall unless its subject
matter or terms make it impossible that it should have effect as
modified, as provided under this paragraph, have effect as if—
Interpretation
Member
Staff of
Board
Registration
under
repealed
Act
Transfer of
assets and
liabilities
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 221

have effect as if—
Interpretation
Member
Staff of
Board
Registration
under
repealed
Act
Transfer of
assets and
liabilities
Cotton [No. 14 of 2025 221

(a) the Cotton Board of Zambia had been party to it;
(b) for reference to the former Board there was substituted
with respect to anything falling to be done on or after
the commencement of this Act, a reference to the Cotton
Board of Zambia; or
(c) for any reference to any officer of the former Board, not
being a party to it and beneficially interested, there were
substituted, as respects anything falling to be done on
or after the commencement of this Act, a reference to
that officer of the Cotton Board of Zambia, that it shall
designate. (3) Where under this Act, any assets, rights, liabilities and
obligations of the former Board are deemed to be transferred to
the Cotton Board of Zambia in respect of which transfer a written
law provided for registration, the Cotton Board of Zambia shall
make an application, in writing, to the appropriate registration
authority for registration of the transfer.

tration, the Cotton Board of Zambia shall
make an application, in writing, to the appropriate registration
authority for registration of the transfer.

(4) The registration authority, referred to in subparagraph (3),
shall make entries in the appropriate register as shall give effect to
the transfer and where applicable certificate of title in respect of
the property or make necessary amendments to the register and
shall endorse the deeds relating to the title, right or obligation
concerned and no registration fees or other duties shall be payable
in respect of the transaction. 6. (1) Any legal proceedings or application of the former Board
pending immediately before the commencement of this Act by or
against the former Board may be continued by or against the Cotton
Board of Zambia. (2) After the commencement of this Act, proceedings in
respect of any right, liability or obligation which was vested in,
held, enjoyed, incurred or suffered by the former Board, may be
instituted by or against the Cotton Board of Zambia. Legal
proceedings
222 No. 14 of 2025] Cotton