ZCSA Warns on Unsafe Electronics

.... Chizinga outlines stronger measures to address poor-quality electrical products

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia (11-03-2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has raised serious concerns over the growing presence of non-compliant electrical products in the market, warning that items such as adaptors, sockets, and extension cables pose significant safety hazards.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with electrical product suppliers at Asmara Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga highlighted the risks associated with substandard electrical goods.

He revealed that through ongoing market inspections, the agency has identified these products as some of the most frequently non-compliant, resulting in their removal from the market to safeguard public health and safety.

“The Agency’s market surveillance, conducted across the country, has found that electrical items like adaptors, sockets, and extension cables are among the leading offenders in terms of non-compliance,” Chizinga said.

“In response, we have already taken steps to seize and withdraw these products due to their dangerous nature.”

Chizinga cautioned that these unsafe items increase the likelihood of electrical shocks, fires, and other hazards, potentially leading to severe personal injury and property damage.

He stressed that the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 strictly prohibits the importation, manufacture, sale, or distribution of products that do not meet established safety standards.

“To address this growing challenge, the Agency is enhancing public education, strengthening its engagement with stakeholders, and stepping up enforcement actions across the nation,” Chizinga explained.

He emphasized that ZCSA cannot tackle the problem alone, urging suppliers and other market participants to take responsibility for ensuring that only compliant products enter the market.

“We are adopting a dual approach: ramping up both public awareness efforts and rigorous enforcement measures to eliminate these unsafe goods,” he stated.

ZCSA has already engaged major players in the industry, including ShopRite, Game Stores, Builders Warehouse, Micama Warehouse, Radian Group of Companies, Southgate Investments, Fidelity Stores, Africab, Express Mart, Pick n Pay, Choppies, and Handyman's Paradise, among others.

Chizinga called on all stakeholders—suppliers, traders, and manufacturers—to adhere to compulsory safety standards and to collaborate in the collective effort to protect consumers and the environment.

“We welcome feedback on how we can strengthen our collective efforts to eliminate unsafe products from the market,” he said.

He concluded by urging the public, as well as suppliers, importers, and manufacturers, to actively support ZCSA’s initiative to protect public safety and eliminate the threat posed by substandard electrical products.