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The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has expressed concern over the growing presence of suspected counterfeit and substandard cosmetic and personal-care products on the local market.
The association said the products of concern include lotions, creams, perfumes and other items widely used by women and young people.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, ZACA said it had been receiving an increasing number of complaints about products that might cause serious skin reactions and other adverse health effects.
It also flagged the use of packaging and branding designed to imitate established products, saying this was misleading consumers into buying items they believed to be genuine.
“We are receiving growing concerns about products that may cause serious skin reactions and other adverse effects. Of particular concern is the use of brand names, packaging, labelling and appearances that are confusingly similar to those of established and recognised brands, potentially misleading consumers into purchasing products they believe are genuine,” ZACA stated.
The consumer body called on regulators including the Zambia Bureau of Standards, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Zambia Environmental Management Agency and local authorities to intensify inspections.
“We therefore call upon the Zambia Bureau of Standards, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, local authorities, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Zambia Environmental Management Agency and other relevant enforcement institutions to urgently strengthen market surveillance, inspection and enforcement against suspected counterfeit and non-compliant products,” the statement read.
ZACA further urged retailers and distributors to ensure only compliant products were placed on the market, while advising consumers to check labels, buy from reputable outlets, and report suspicious items to authorities.
It emphasized that protecting consumers from unsafe products was a shared responsibility.
“The Zambia Consumer Association stands ready to work with regulators, local authorities, manufacturers, retailers and consumers to promote a safer and more transparent marketplace,” ZACA said.
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