ZCSA URGES CONSUMERS TO DEVELOP A HABIT OF READING PRODUCT LABELS
…as more used undergarments are seized in Lusaka, Monze
LUSAKA, October 22, 2025
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has urged consumers to develop a habit of reading labels on products as they contain key information on product safety.
Meanwhile, the Agency has seized more used undergarments in Lusaka and Monze valued at more than K20, 000.
ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, said consumers must read the product labels and report to the Agency any suspicious products or suspected foul play by any supplier of products covered by Compulsory Standards.
Mr Chizinga was speaking in Lusaka on Tuesday afternoon (21/10/2025) when pupils from Northmead, Olympia and Roma Girls Secondary School visited ZCSA Head Office to appreciate the mandate of the Agency.
The visit was part of an initiative aimed at promoting consumer protection and product safety education among pupils.
He said pupils are the future of Zambia and hence the need to ensure that the learners are safe and empowered with information on product safety.
Mr Chizinga added, “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.”
On used undergarments, Mr Chizinga said the banned products were seized from Lusaka and Monze during the ongoing national open market surveillance inspections.
He said the products were imported and supplied to the market contrary to the provisions of the Zambian Standard (ZS) 559: Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products.
The ZS 559 prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments to protect the health of consumers.
This is because used textile products that are worn in very close contact with the skin may cause ailments such as skin rash, fungal infections and sexually transmitted infections, among other ailments.
Mr Chizinga is urging the public to report to the nearest ZCSA office upon encountering such banned products on the market.
As an enforcer of Compulsory Standards, ZCSA remains vigilant in its duty of protecting consumers from potential health risks associated with wearing of used undergarments and other non-compliant products.
Recently, ZCSA seized 69 boxes of used underwear which were donated to a faith based organisation in Rufunsa District of Lusaka Province.
ZCSA is mandated by Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 to administer, maintain and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety and health, consumer and environmental protection.
Issued by: ORIGINAL COPY SIGNED
ONISHIAS MAAMBA| PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency