The objectives of NRCS are to-

- Make recommendations to the Minister with regard to compulsory specifications;

- Administer and maintain compulsory specifications;

- Undertake market surveillance through inspection in order to monitor compliance with compulsory specifications; and
- Enforce compliance with compulsory specifications.

- In order to achieve these objectives, NRCS may-

- Acquire and maintain the equipment required for market surveillance inspection purposes;

- Inform South African commerce, industry and the public about compulsory specifications;

- Establish and maintain the necessary expertise on an internationally acceptable level;

- Obtain membership of, participate in or develop relationships with foreign or international bodies that have similar objectives to
   those of NRCS;

- Perform, insofar as it is not contrary to or inconsistent with any Act, such functions as the Minister may assign to NRCS;

- Issue a letter of authority certificate which permits commodities or products to be sold or services to be supplied;

- Obtain the cooperation of government departments, local authorities or other public bodies, and enter into agreements with them;

- Enter into agreements with conformity assessment services providers to inspect, examine, test or analyse samples on behalf of
  NRCS; and

- Establish specialist consultative committees to provide input into the process to interpret and implement compulsory specifications.