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10 bales of used under wear worth over K25, 000 confiscated in Quarter 1

• Investigations are currently underway to establish the original importers of the banned textile products.
• Nine cases of illegal sale of used textile products containing undergarments were handled.
• Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces are the most affected areas with regards to having used underwear on the market.

Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has disclosed that it confiscated 10 bales of used under wear and night gowns from traders in Lusaka worth over K25, 000 in the first quarter of 2023.
In a statement, Agency Head of Communication Brian Hatyoka said investigations are currently underway to establish the original importers of the banned textile products.
Mr. Hatyoka explained that during the quarter under review, the Agency handled nine cases of illegal sale of used textile products containing undergarments.
He noted that Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces, are the most affected areas with regards to having used underwear on the market.
Mr. Hatyoka reiterated that the sale of secondhand underwear is against the provisions of the Zambia Standard (ZS) 599 on inspection and acceptance criteria for used Salaula products.
“As mandated under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, ZCSA will consider various options available, including prosecution of offenders”
“The ZS 559 prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments and night wear like pajamas, night gowns, ladies and gents’ briefs, brassieres camisoles, vests. This is in a bid to protect the safety of consumers because used textile products that are worn in very close contact with the skin may cause ailments like skin rash,” Mr. Hatyoka explained.
He said the Agency will enhance enforcement activities countrywide to stop the illegal importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments.
“Importers and traders are hereby warned that enforcement will involve both seizing of products and prosecution of offenders,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hatyoka revealed that during the period under review, portable spirits worth K150, 000 were seized, while three illegal production facilities in Lusaka were closed by a joint team of officers from enforcement agencies.
He said the closed entities are JBJ Enterprises Limited of Kalikiliki, VIVA Manufacturing Works Limited and Mafabu Enterprises Limited of Garden House Area in Lusaka.
“ZCSA conducted joint operations with other state institutions namely Lusaka City Council (LCC), Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) and the police on the illegal production of beverages during the said period under review.”
“In a bid to ensure full compliance with minimum safety requirements, the Agency and other stakeholders will conduct more enforcement activities on unauthorized manufacturers of potable spirits, including backyards if need be,” Mr. Hatyoka said.
With effect from 1st August 2021, it became mandatory for all manufacturers, importers and traders to obtain authority from the Agency to supply any type of potable spirits on the market under Zambian Standard 808.

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