Again, standards agency warns against illegal trade in used undergarments

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned importers, suppliers and traders against the illegal importation and sale of used undergarments and nightwear, cautioning that offenders will face stern action as the products pose serious health risks to consumers.

Over the past three years, the Agency had seized and destroyed more than 100 bales of used undergarments and nightwear worth over K500,000.

In 2024 alone, 34 bales valued at K170,000 were reportedly confiscated and destroyed.

In a statement, ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, said those found in breach of the law risked prosecution in the courts of law, in addition to seizure and destruction of the banned products.

He explained that the ban was guided by Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 120 of 2006, which declared the Zambian Compulsory Standard ZS 559 — Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Textile Products — as mandatory.

The standard prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments such as underwear, pyjamas, bras, nightgowns, tights, camisoles and vests.

“This is aimed at protecting the health of consumers, as used textile products worn in close contact with the skin may cause ailments such as skin rashes, fungal infections and sexually transmitted diseases,” Chizinga said.

He urged consumers to purchase only new undergarments available on the market to safeguard their health, and to report suspected cases of non-compliance to ZCSA at its Lusaka headquarters or any of its 17 offices located in provincial centres and major border entry points.

Between January and July 2025, the Agency reportedly recorded an 85 per cent compliance rate in its enforcement activities on used textile imports.

In one of its operations in May 2024, a joint team of ZCSA and Mongu Municipal Council officers seized and destroyed 1,420 pieces of used undergarments in Mongu, valued at K15,670, they claimed.

Chizinga added that ZCSA had intensified enforcement and public education campaigns across the country to ensure only safe and compliant products are made available on the Zambian market.

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