AUTOMOTIVE promotes trade, protects national and international markets and assists industry to become globally competitive by ensuring that all regulated products comply with regulations (compulsory specifications) that are generally aligned with international guidelines and harmonized with international standards and regulations.

Compulsory specifications apply to all products sold in South Africa (whether locally produced or imported) and exported to other countries. In order to promote exports it is possible for manufacturers to obtain exemptions from certain requirements in order to meet the specific regulatory requirements of their customers. A typical example is the position of steering gear.