ZCSA is cognizant of concerns that there are still pockets of traders engaged in the illicit activity and making the sale of used underwear flourish in different trading outlets. The Agency, hereby, informs the public that it has made headways in devising interventions aimed at curbing importation and trade of used underwear.

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency wishes to remind importers and traders to desist from selling products that may negatively affect consumers. As a regulator, ZCSA will continue to ensure that all the products subject to compulsory standards do not pose a threat to the health and safety of consumers.

ZCSA appeals to members of the public to always consider buying safer alternatives that are equally affordable and avoid posing a risk to their health and safety. ZCSA will intensify sensitization activities on the dangers of buying used textile products that are worn in close contact with the skin. Despite purported claims that imported used textile products are less expensive, come with attractive colours and better fabrics, members of the public should at all times shun the products as it is a risk to their health.

Further, the Agency reiterates that issues of safety for both locally manufactured and imported products are at the heart of the mandate of ZCSA. Therefore, the sale of used nightwear and undergarments is illegal and if discovered on the market, ZCSA will have no option but to take punitive measures against traders and importers of the product including confiscating the contraband.
As a compulsory standards regulator, ZCSA warns of stern action against illegal importers and traders of used undergarments and that it will continue to aggressively fight to curtail the flow of the contraband into the country.