Standards agency vows not to compromise the law, threatens severe sanctions for offenders

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has cautioned traders that it does not negotiate when it comes with enforcement of compulsory standards.

ZCSA said the declaration of compulsory standards, which was done by the Commerce, Trade and Industry Ministry, was informed by scientific research on the potential implications of non-compliance of a product with a standard on the safety of consumers.

ZCSA Head of Communications, Brian Hatyoka, in an interview on Friday said it was on this basis that the standard for used textile products Zambian Standard (ZS) 559: Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile (Salaula) was declared compulsory.

Hatyoka explained that this was done by Statutory Instrument No. 120 of 2006, thereby making the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments illegal.

“ZS 559 prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments and night wear like pyjamas, night gowns, ladies and gents’ briefs, brassieres camisoles, vests.

“This standard was declared compulsory to protect the safety of consumers because used textile products that are worn in very close contact with the skin may cause ailments or transmit ailments to secondary users of the textile products,” he said.

Hatyoka said research had shown that fumigation may not be effective on products such as undergarments.

This, he said, was in as much as importers of used textile products were required to present fumigation certificates from the country of export.

“ZCSA further conducts random inspection and testing of textile products to ascertain the effectiveness of fumigation to safeguard consumers. The Agency has encouraged consumers to consider buying safer alternatives that are available on the market.

“As a regulator of compulsory standards, ZCSA will continue ensuring that products subject to compulsory standards do not pose a threat to the health and safety of consumers,” Hatyoka said.

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