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A joint team of officers from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and Mongu Municipal Council has seized used undergarments from traders in Mongu valued at K15,670.
The officers seized 1,420 pieces of undergarments, including underwear and bras, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
ZCSA Acting Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, and Mongu Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations, Abigail Sitenge, confirmed the seizure in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.
Hatyoka and Sitenge stated that this was part of a joint market surveillance inspection conducted at Kashumba Market and the Town Centre of Mongu District.
The Mongu Magistrate Court had since issued a disposal order and the products would be disposed of soon.
“ZCSA and Mongu Municipal Council also educated the public on the need to adhere to the ban on importation and sale of used undergarments in Zambia,” Hatyoka and Sitenge said.
They warned traders to refrain from selling used undergarments as this practice may put the health of consumers at risk.
Offenders may face sanctions such as the seizure and destruction of non-conforming products, as well as prosecution through the courts of law.
Hatyoka and Sitenge also urged consumers to buy only new undergarments, which are available in the market to safeguard their health.
They reiterated that in 2006, the government declared the Zambian standard for used textile products compulsory through Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 120 of 2006.
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“This compulsory standard prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments such as pyjamas, nightgowns, underwear, bras, camisoles and vests,” the duo said.
They explained that the Compulsory Standard ZS 559: Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments and nightwear.
Hatyoka and Sitenge stated that the standard was declared compulsory to protect the safety of consumers because used textile products worn in close contact with the skin may cause ailments such as skin rashes, fungal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
“Further, due to associated poor personal hygiene practices, such as inadequate washing or sharing, used undergarments increase the risk of transmitting pathogens (germs) from first-hand users to second-hand users,” the duo said.
They stated that in certain cases, wearing used undergarments that have not been properly cleaned might cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.
Additionally, Hatyoka and Sitenge said this may cause irritation and itching that can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, secondary infections due to skin scratching.
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