Agency Destroys Seized Sub-Standard Electrical Items Valued at Over K42,000

Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has destroyed the recently seized sub-standard electrical products in Lusaka valued at K42, 090.

ZCSA regulates the manufacture, importation and sale of electrical products covered by ZS 106: Safety of Household and similar Electrical Appliances-Specification, ZS 558: Plugs and Socket Outlets, Adaptors and Connection Units, ZS 688: Electric Cables with Extruded Solid Dielectric Insulation for Fixed Installations (300/500 Votts to 1900/3300 V) Specification.

The Zambian Standards cover specifications and testing methods of the respective products for household, commercial and light industrial use.

Agency Public Relations Officer, Onishias Maamba said in a statement that the products were seized and withdrawn from the market in May 2024, during an enforcement exercise conducted by ZCSA for posing a risk to public safety.

Mr. Maamba stated that the products include electric cables, adaptors and household electrical appliances such as kettles, plate cookers and toasters, among others.

He added that the items were withdrawn from Kamwala Trading area, Oasis, Westgate and Levy Malls in Lusaka for not complying with relevant compulsory standards.

“56 plugs, sockets and adaptors did not comply with the required color coding while 1, 442 plugs, sockets and adaptors were not compliant with the Zambian Standard 558: Plugs and Socket Outlets, Adaptors and Connection Units.”

“The potential risks the products posed include personal injury, electric shock, fire and damage to property, among others,” Mr. Maamba stated.

Mr. Maamba warned that the Agency will not hesitate to take stern action against traders who are illegally supplying non-compliant products on the local market, because such products pose a risk to public safety.
“ZCSA will continue conducting enforcement activities in a bid to ensure that only safe products are allowed on the market. Consumers must buy products from reputable sources and report any suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office,” he added.

ZCSA, is a statutory body under Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, to administer, maintain and enforce compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety, health, consumer and environmental protection.