NRCS administers compulsory specifications for the fitness of vehicles offered for sale for use on public roads, as well as off-road and specialized vehicles. Certain safety-critical vehicle components and automotive products are also regulated by means of compulsory specifications. In general the standards are aligned with the UN ECE regulations. NRCS is also appointed by the Minister of Transport in terms of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 as the Inspectorate responsible for implementation and enforcement of many of the technical requirements for vehicles operated on public roads. NRCS is also the Inspectorate of Manufacturers, Importers and Builders (MIB’s).

• The compulsory specifications include requirements for
• The approval and homologation of vehicle designs of locally manufactured and imported vehicles; 
•  The approval and homologation of vehicle components and tyres; 
•  Approval of commercial vehicle manufacturers and importers (MIB’s) for registration purposes; 
•  The inspection and auditing of vehicle and component manufacturers to ensure ongoing compliance with standards; 
•  The capture of data and model numbers for new vehicle models on the National Traffic Information System (NATIS);
• The approval of and authorization for building and importing of vehicles by non-registered individuals and organizations.