ZCSA Urges Consumers to Read Product Labels, Seizes Used Undergarments Worth Over K20,000
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has called on consumers to develop a habit of reading product labels, stressing that labels contain vital information regarding product safety and compliance.
Speaking in Lusaka during a visit by pupils from Northmead, Olympia, and Roma Girls Secondary Schools to the ZCSA Head Office, the Agency’s Executive Director, Mr Gerald Chizinga, emphasised that consumers must remain alert and report any suspicious or non-compliant products to the Agency.
“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,” Mr Chizinga said.
He explained that the Agency’s outreach to schools forms part of its wider initiative to promote consumer protection and product safety education among pupils.
“Through interactive workshops, educational materials, and partnerships with schools, we aim to cultivate a culture of awareness—where pupils can identify unsafe products and become advocates for product safety in their communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Agency has seized used undergarments valued at over K20,000 in Lusaka and Monze as part of ongoing national open market surveillance inspections. The confiscated items were found to have been imported and distributed in contravention of Zambian Standard (ZS) 559: Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products, which prohibits the importation and sale of used undergarments.
Mr Chizinga warned that such products pose serious health risks, including skin rashes, fungal infections, and sexually transmitted infections, due to their close contact with the skin.
He urged the public to report any sightings of banned products to the nearest ZCSA office, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and consumer rights.
“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,” Mr Chizinga said.
Recently, ZCSA also seized 69 boxes of used underwear that were intended for donation to a faith-based organisation in Rufunsa District.
The ZCSA, established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, is mandated to administer, maintain, and enforce compliance with compulsory standards to ensure public safety, consumer protection, and environmental wellbeing.
