The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has seized 17 bales of undergarments from a trader along Freedom Way in Lusaka valued at K68, 000.
ZCSA Head of Communications Brian Hatyoka discloses that after investigations conducted by officers following an advert on a named Facebook Page in which the owner invited the public to buy used undergarments from her, the Agency on Tuesday moved in to confiscate the bales, stating that the said business is contrary to the provisions of the Compulsory Standard ZS 559 Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products.
He reveals that in 2006, the Zambian Government declared the Zambian standard for used textile products compulsory through Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 120 of 2006.
Mr. Hatyoka notes that the compulsory standard prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments such as pyjamas, night gowns, ladies and gents’ briefs, brassieres, camisoles and vests.
ZCSA has further urged traders and consumers to embrace alternative undergarments in a quest to reduce the potential health risks associated with wearing used undergarments.
On 5 July 2023, ZCSA will sensitise the public in Kitwe on the dangers of used undergarments and unregulated portable spirits.
