Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) Head of Marketing and Public Relations Hazel Zulu has said suppliers of used clothing should not import used underwear in Zambia.
In a statement unveiled to the media today, Ms. Zulu said the importation and sell of used underclothing is a risk to the health of users and is prohibited in Zambia through the Zambian Standard, ZS 559 which describes the requirements for inspection and acceptance criteria for used textile products.
She further noted that the Zambian Standard ZS 559 does not allow the importation and sell of used undergarments as experts have advised that fabrics attract moisture which may cause the growth of fungi such as yeasts and molds that may cause infectious ailments such as skin rashes in the reproductive organs and urinary tract infections.
“We have noted with concern that some suppliers of used clothing have continued to use illegitimate routes to bring in bales of used undergarments which they actually conceal within bales of other clothing such as dresses, trousers and shirts” Ms. Zulu said
Ms. Zulu has since warned what he deemed unscrupulous suppliers to desist from the vice as it is detrimental to the health of consumers and to the growth of the Zambian economy as smuggled goods do not go through the normal clearance procedures at the border entry points.
She also noted that the move by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) of declaring zero tolerance to smuggling is welcome and highly commended as it will compound our fight against importation of used undergarments.
“We also want to appeal members of the public to shun used undergarments as it is a risk to their health. Members of the public should know that the quality battle needs concerted effort from all well-meaning Zambians”. She said
Ms. Zulu explained that underclothing including pajamas, night dresses, night gowns, patients’ hospital wear, ladies and gents briefs, brassieres, camisoles and vests.
“Even pajamas, night dresses, night gowns, patients’ hospital wear, ladies and gents briefs are our concern” Ms. Zulu said
Toothless ZABS, just outside your offices near kulima tower, people are selling those things.
Just put Jik on the underwear and hang it in the sun and you are good to go!
ZABS also needs to be regulated. I didn’t even know they existed, there are no standards at all in Zambia!
The only way this will stop is by making it a treasonable offence…
The root cause is simple. Most Zsmbians cannot just afford new undergarments. No market for a product business people will not import them. Ask government to concentrate on empowering the people who are the market for these undergarments.
the pf cadres love the used under wear like Mushota..lol
USELESS! THE MAJOR REASON PIPO ARE BUYING SALAULA ABOVE PRICE IS QUALITY. I THINK YOU SHOULD FIRST OF ALL CLEAR ALL THE COUNTERFEIT CLOTHES BROUGHT IN ZAMBIA AND LEAVE ONLY THE ORIGINAL STUFF AND THEN CONTINUE SELLING THAT ORIGINAL STUFF AT THE SAME PRICE AS THE COUNTERFEIT WAS PRICED. THAT WAY PIPO WILL STOP BUYING SALAULA UNDERWEAR.
In Tanzania salaula is banned…only new clothing allowed. The textile sector is dead because of it.
Don’t waste money on diseases ; you are killing cloth industry and wasting forex.
Let the government create cloth industry than buying rubbish to contaminate the eco.
Africans must wake-up to reality all chaff is being thrown at them.
Please dont ban them, HH will need them in Chimbokaila
ZABS has a policy/ law that all imported goods have the country where they are made and the material from whuch they are made. Yet despite being advised they are not enforcing the law regarding the shoes in BATA stores.
Shoes do not have where they are made or what they are made of. No the shoes are NOT made in ZAMBIA but in INDIA and other countries. Workboots are marked designed in germany look closer they are made in CHINA
Why is this still allowed and why hasnt BATA been fined for non compliance
ZABS assess your own standards
Let’s ban underwear!