NRCS protects the health and safety of consumers by administering compulsory specifications for the safety of vehicles,after-market components and automotive related products.

All new and modified passenger and goods vehicles for use on public roads, and safety-critical components and automotive products (for example brake and clutch fluids)sold in the after-market, must comply with National safety standards that are defined in the relevant compulsory specification.Compulsory specifications are generally aligned with international equivalents and are implemented in a time frame appropriate to South African requirements.

Vehicle models and certain components and automotive products must be approved before they may be offered for sale. Manufacturers and importers are inspected regularly to ensure ongoing compliance.

The regulated products include:

• Vehicle models including passenger and goods vehicles and agriculturaltractors;
• Tyres, safety glass, replacement brake lining assemblies, lamps and lights;
• Child restraining devices; and
• Motor cycle helmets.