ZCSA claims K610,650 worth of non-compliant electrical products withdrawn from market to safeguard consumers

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has restricted and withdrawn 5,909 non-compliant electrical products worth K610,650.50 from the market to safeguard consumers and the environment.

ZCSA Communications and Public Relations Manager, Brian Hatyoka, confirmed the action in a statement issued on Sunday, citing safety concerns.

Of the affected products, 559 items valued at K170,750.00 have been restricted pending corrective action by suppliers, while 5,350 products worth K439,900.50 are set for destruction under Section 16 (4)(a) and (b) of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.

“This enforcement intervention was carried out during the Agency’s Open Market Surveillance (OMS) inspections in Lusaka from February 11 to 14, 2025,” Hatyoka stated.

The inspections targeted major trading hubs, retail outlets, and importers along Cairo, Cha Cha Cha, and Kafue roads, as well as Westgate Mall, Makeni, and Kamwala Trading areas.

Hatyoka explained that inspections focused on compliance with Zambian standards, including ZS 106 (Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances), ZS 588 (Plugs, Socket Outlets, Adaptors, and Connection Units), and ZS 688 (Electric Cables with Extended Solid Dielectric Insulation for Fixed Installations).

Among the violations, several plugs, socket outlets, and adaptors failed to meet compliance standards, while some extension cables had non-compliant or unfused top plugs.

Read More: Smuggling, border loopholes allow influx of substandard goods, says consumer rights committee

Other products were falsely labelled as having fuses, lacked earthing connections, or had incorrect color codes, posing risks of electric shock, fire, and property damage.

Hatyoka warned traders against illegally supplying non-compliant products, stating that ZCSA would take stern action against offenders.

“The Agency will continue enforcement activities in Lusaka and across the country to ensure only safe products are sold on the market,” he assured.

He urged consumers to be cautious when purchasing electrical products and to report suspicious items to ZCSA offices in provincial centers, major border entry points, or via the agency’s online platforms for enforcement action.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.