Standards agency destroys sub-standard electrical products 

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU 

SEIZED non-compliant electrical products valued at K42, 090 have been destroyed in Lusaka by the Zambia Compulsory Standards (ZCSA).

ZCSA in May this year seized electric cables, adaptors and household electrical appliances such as kettles, plate cookers and toasters, among others.

The items were withdrawn from Kamwala trading area, Oasis, Westgate and Levy malls in Lusaka for not complying with relevant compulsory standards. 

This is contained in a statement issued by the ZCSA Public Relations Officer, Mr Onishias Maamba, on Thursday.

Mr Maamba said 56 plugs, sockets and adaptors did not comply with the required colour 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“The products were seized and withdrawn from the market by ZCSA during an enforcement exercise for posing a risk to public safety. The potential risks the products posed include personal injury, electric shock, fire and damage to property, among others.

“ZCSA warns of stern action against traders who are illegally supplying non-compliant products on the Zambian market. This is 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,” Mr Maamba said.

He encouraged consumers to buy products from reputable sources and report any suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office.

ZCSA regulates the manufacture, importation and sale of electrical products covered by the following compulsory standards.