Restrictive Business Practices

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PUBLIC NOTICE: CONSUMER RIGHTS AND ONGOING INQUIRY

2026-04-08

Understanding Consumer Rights and Business Obligations

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (“the Commission”) wishes to remind members of the public that the law provides for fair, transparent, and honest conduct in the marketplace. Consumers are entitled to receive accurate and sufficient information about goods and services to enable them to make informed decisions.

In particular, businesses are required to clearly communicate key terms relating to their services, including operating hours, conditions for access, pricing, and any limitations that may reasonably affect a consumer’s decision to engage with the service. Where such information is provided, it should be truthful, clear, and not misleading.

The law further prohibits unfair trading practices, including misleading representations, false or incomplete disclosure of material information, and conduct that may be considered unconscionable. These provisions are designed to promote fairness, accountability, and confidence in the marketplace for both consumers and businesses.

Consumers are also encouraged to seek clarification where information is unclear and to report concerns where they believe their rights may have been infringed.

Ongoing Inquiry into Reported Incident

The Commission has taken note of public discussions circulating on social media regarding an incident at Livingstone Crocodile Park, where it is alleged that a family was denied entry shortly before the advertised closing time.

The matter has generated public interest and varying views, particularly concerning access to services and adherence to stated operating hours.

The Commission wishes to inform the public that it has instituted an inquiry into the matter and is actively engaging to verify the facts and assess the issues raised. The Commission recognises the ongoing public debate but emphasises that any determination as to whether there has been a violation of the law will only be made after a thorough and objective review of all relevant facts and evidence.

The Commission will provide an update to the public at an appropriate time. The Commission remains committed to promoting fair trading practices and safeguarding consumer rights across all sectors of the economy.

CCPC

MARCH 2026 PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES AND COUNTRYWIDE INSPECTIONS

2026-03-31

Throughout March 2026, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) conducted a series of routine inspections and sensitisation exercises across Zambia in collaboration with local authorities and partner institutions. The activities focused on promoting consumer welfare, product safety, fair trading practices, and raising awareness of consumer rights, with particular emphasis on the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day.

Enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of non-compliant and expired goods valued at a combined total of K62,647.40 across multiple districts. In Lusaka Province, joint inspections at Chilenje Market and Kaunda Square Market led to the seizure of goods worth K8,817.00 and K2,198.00 respectively. In Southern Province, operations in Siavonga and Mazabuka yielded goods valued at K5,356.00 and K9,480.90, totaling K14,836.90. In Western Province, inspections in Lukulu and Luampa Districts resulted in the seizure of assorted goods worth K12,308.00. In Muchinga Province, an inspection in Chirundu District led to the seizure of goods valued at K18,702.50. In Northern Province, expired goods worth K5,785.00 were seized and disposed of in Luwingu District.

Sensitisation activities were also conducted across the country. In Solwezi, CCPC partnered with the Pensions and Insurance Authority to hold a consumer rights sensitisation at Mitech Market featuring dance, sketches, and one-on-one engagements. In Kasama, learners from Kasama Boys Secondary School participated in market inspections as part of World Consumer Rights Day activities, while an awareness event was held at Kasama Mall. School outreach sessions were conducted at Helen Kaunda Girls Secondary School in Kitwe, Musenga Primary School in Mungwi, Luwingu Day Secondary School, and Don Bosco Day Secondary School in Luwingu, with a focus on unsolicited deductions and consumer rights. Outdoor desk sensitisation exercises took place at ECL Mall in Kitwe, Kabuta Market in Chinsali, and Maiteneke Market in Mansa. A sensitisation session was also held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Luwingu District, while courtesy calls were made to Council Secretaries in Lukulu and Luampa alongside trader sensitisation. In Mansa, the office conducted inspections involving school clubs and multiple agencies including ZCSA, Zambia Police IP unit, and ZANIS.

CCPC is determined to work towards safer markets that will ensure business compliance and a more informed consumer base that will access services and products with confidence.

#CCPCZambia
#Consumerwelfare
#Faircompetition

CCPC

A TOTAL OF K8,817.00 IN NON-COMPLIANCE GOODS SEIZED DURING JOINT INSPECTION AT CHILENJE MARKET

2026-03-27

Chilenje Market was the focal point of routine inspection and sensitisations as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in collaboration with the Lusaka City Council went all out. The routine inspection and sensitisation exercise was aimed at promoting fair trade, awareness and protecting consumer welfare.

The initiative saw the team move through the market, from vegetable stalls to grain sections engaging traders and consumers directly on issues such as accurate product labelling, expiry dates, disclaimers, fair business conduct, and consumer rights. By the end of the exercise, goods valued at K8,817.00 had been seized for non-compliance.

Traders were cooperative and welcomed the engagement with enthusiasm, appreciating the balanced approach that combined enforcement with education.

Additionally, traders were encouraged to inspect products upon receipt and prior to display to ensure compliance with the law and to avoid unwanted losses. Consumers were equally encouraged to speak up and know their rights when it comes to quality, safe goods and fair treatment.

Should you encounter any unfair business practices or have concerns regarding consumer protection, reach out to CCPC. We are always ready to listen and act.

CCPC

GOODS WORTH K2,198.00 SEIZED DURING AN INSPECTION AT KAUNDA SQUARE MARKET IN LUSAKA

2026-03-26

Goods worth K2,198.00 have been seized during a joint inspection by Competition and Consumer Protection Commission- Zambia (CCPC) Lusaka Office and the Lusaka City Council (LCC) at Kaunda Square Market in Lusaka.

The routine exercise is aimed at ensuring that traders are offering safe products that are compliant, and properly labeled in line with consumer protection standard.

During the inspections, several non-compliant goods including expired products such as Noodle, cornflakes, Jik, powdered milk, and assorted drinks among others were confiscated from the shops.

In addition to the inspections, the team conducted sensitization activities for both traders and consumers.

These engagements focus on raising awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities, while encouraging adherence to safe and ethical business practices.