ZCSA CRACKS DOWN ON UNSAFE IMPORTS

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Posted by admin on October 22, 2025 at 3:15 AM

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The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has intensified its consumer protection efforts, urging citizens to read product labels and remain vigilant against unsafe goods, while announcing the seizure of used undergarments worth over K20, 000 in Lusaka and Monze.

Speaking during a consumer awareness visit by pupils from Northmead, Olympia, and Roma Girls Secondary Schools, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga emphasized that product labels contain critical safety and compliance information.

“Consumers must read the product labels and report to the Agency any suspicious products or suspected foul play by suppliers of goods covered by Compulsory Standards,” Chizinga stated.

The school outreach forms part of ZCSA’s broader initiative to educate young consumers through interactive workshops, educational materials, and school partnerships, aiming to build a culture of product safety advocacy.

Meanwhile, ZCSA has seized used undergarments found to be in violation of Zambian Standard (ZS) 559, which prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products such as underwear, bras, and nightwear. The agency warned that such items pose serious health risks, including skin infections, fungal conditions, and STIs, due to their intimate contact with the skin.

“As enforcers of Compulsory Standards, we remain vigilant in protecting consumers from potential health risks associated with wearing used undergarments and other non-compliant products,” Chizinga added.

In a related operation, ZCSA recently confiscated 69 boxes of used underwear intended for donation to a faith-based organisation in Rufunsa District, reinforcing its stance against unsafe textile imports.

Established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, ZCSA is mandated to administer, maintain, and enforce compliance with compulsory standards to ensure public safety, consumer protection, and environmental wellbeing.