22/10/2025
ZCSA SEIZES MORE USED UNDERGARMENTS IN LUSAKA, MONZE URGES CONSUMERS TO READ PRODUCTION LABELS AND REPORT SUSPICIOUS GOODS
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has seized used undergarments worth over K20,000 in Lusaka and Monze as part of its ongoing nationwide market surveillance operations aimed at protecting consumers from unsafe products.
In a statement issued by Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba, the Agency revealed that the banned items were confiscated for violating Zambian Standard (ZS) 559: Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products, which prohibits the importation and sale of used undergarments due to public health concerns.
ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said consumers must take a proactive role in ensuring their safety by reading product labels and reporting any suspicious or non-compliant products to the Agency.
“Consumers must read the product labels and report to ZCSA any suspected foul play by suppliers. Labels contain key information that can help identify unsafe products before purchase,” Mr. Chizinga stated.
He was speaking on Tuesday afternoon (21st October, 2025) when pupils from Northmead, Olympia, and Roma Girls Secondary Schools visited the ZCSA Head Office in Lusaka as part of an educational initiative promoting consumer protection and product safety awareness.
Mr. Chizinga emphasized the importance of empowering young people with knowledge on product safety, saying, “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 safety in their communities.”
He further warned that wearing used undergarments poses serious health risks, including skin rashes, fungal infections, and sexually transmitted infections, as such items are worn in close contact with the skin.
The Agency has urged members of the public to report any banned or suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office.
“As an enforcer of Compulsory Standards, ZCSA remains vigilant in protecting consumers from potential health risks associated with non-compliant products,” Mr. Chizinga added.
Recently, ZCSA also seized 69 boxes of used underwear that had been donated to a faith-based organisation in Rufunsa District of Lusaka Province.
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency operates under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, which mandates it to administer and enforce compliance with compulsory standards for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment.
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