Schools forcing students to buy uniforms exclusively from them risk 150,000 penalty units, says CCPC

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned schools against the practice of forcing parents and guardians to buy school uniforms exclusively from the school or from selected suppliers, saying the conduct was illegal and harms consumers.

CCPC Senior Public Relations Officer, Florence Zaza, said the Commission had observed that the practice was common at the start of each academic year, with some schools tying school places to the purchase of uniforms from specified sources.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Zaza said the conduct violated the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010, as amended by Act No. 21 of 2023.

“The practice of forcing learners, their parents or guardians to purchase uniforms solely from the school or selected suppliers restricts consumer choice,” she said.

“Such practices can lead to inflated prices, reduced consumer choice, and diminished quality for the affected learners, parents, and guardians,” Zaza said.

She added that the exclusionary practice also distorted market competition by cutting out competitive suppliers and granting unfair advantage to selected sources.

“Such anti-competitive conduct of tying school places to the buying of uniforms impedes the promotion of healthy market competition,” Zaza said.

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While she acknowledged the need for uniforms to meet specific standards, the Commission emphasized that schools may provide guidelines on type, shade and colour, but must not compel parents to purchase from a single supplier.

Sh said parents who opt for alternative, competitively priced sources must ensure that uniforms meet the school’s required standards.

Zaza commended members of the public who have reported such practices, along with schools that have complied following CCPC engagement.

She urged the public to continue reporting similar conduct to ensure timely intervention.

Zaza also warned that schools that fail to comply with the law risk penalties of up to 150,000 penalty units for individuals and up to 10 percent of annual turnover for enterprises.

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