ZCSA Takes Action


K610,000 in Substandard Electrical Products Pulled from the market 

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

LUSAKA, Zambia – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has restricted and withdrawn 5,909 non-compliant electrical products, valued at K610,650.50, from the Lusaka market as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, consumer protection, and environmental well-being by eliminating substandard and unsafe products.

According to Brian Hatyoka, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at ZCSA, of the affected products, 559, valued at K170,750.00, have been restricted pending corrective actions by suppliers. Additionally, 5,350 products worth K439,900.50 have been withdrawn for destruction under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.

The enforcement action follows Open Market Surveillance (OMS) inspections conducted in Lusaka from February 11 to 14, 2025, covering major retail outlets, importers, and trading hubs along Cairo, Cha Cha Cha, and Kafue roads, as well as Westgate Mall, Makeni, and Kamwala trading areas.



During the operation, several electrical products were found to be non-compliant with Zambian safety, labeling, and performance standards. Among the affected products were faulty plugs, socket outlets, adaptors, and extension cables, some of which were falsely labeled as having fuses or lacked proper earthing connections, posing significant risks to consumer safety.

“These products not only jeopardize public safety but also undermine our efforts to create a secure marketplace,” Hatyoka emphasized. He also highlighted that ZCSA’s vision is to see a market where only safe and compliant products are available for consumers.



Hatyoka warned suppliers and traders against dealing with substandard products, emphasizing that violations would lead to severe penalties. “The Agency will continue its market surveillance activities to ensure only compliant products are allowed in Zambia,” he stated.

Looking ahead, ZCSA plans to meet with stakeholders in March 2025 to raise awareness about compliance with compulsory standards.

As a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, ZCSA is tasked with administering, maintaining, and enforcing compulsory standards, working toward a safer and more sustainable marketplace for all Zambians.




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