Departments
content coming soon
Home
About Us
Speeches
News & Events
Services
Tenders
FAQ
Vacancies
Contact Us
Departments
Compulsory Specifications
Publications
Request for Comments
Products and Industries
Legal Metrology
Electro Technical
Gaming and Gambling
Vehicles & Components
Food
Cleaning and Sanitation
Construction Materials
Building regulations
Personal protective equipment
Environmental protection
Fire prevention
Firearms and Shooting Ranges
Consumer alerts
Compulsory Specifications
Legal Metrology regulations
Useful websites
Legislation
Levy Presentations
Site Search
Quick Links
News & Events
27 Aug 10
NRCS LEVY CONSULTATION SESSIONS
Read more..
24 Aug 10
Inspectors seize loaves of bread in the Cape
Read more..
23 Jul 10
NRCS heads north to conduct surprise raids
Read more..
   Departments - Automotive

ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE ensures the safety of vehicles, after-market components and automotive related products offered for sale in South Africa. The safety and environmental requirements are based on those applicable in more developed countries.

NRCS is also appointed by the National Department of Transport as the Inspectorate of Manufacturers, Importers and Builders (MIBS) in terms of the National Road Traffic Act.

Protecting the Consumer

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.
The compulsory specifications are generally aligned with international regulations and apply to all products sold in South Africa (whether locally produced or imported)including those exported to other countries.
Download compulsory specifications FREE at Compulsory Specifications
Protecting the Enviroment
South Africa has implemented compulsory specifications for emissions of certain classes of vehicles – i.e. all types of passenger cars and light delivery vehicles (M1 and N1). The compulsory specifications call for compliance with Euro 2 requirements. Emissions requirements for heavy passenger and goods vehicles (M2, M3, N2 and N3) took effect on 1st January 2006.
 
New compulsory specifications calling for mandatory conformity of production emissions testing, and energy efficiency labelling of passenger cars, have been published for public comment.
 
High standards for emissions are dependant on the availability of high quality motor fuels and implementation has necessitated major investments in new technology by the local industry.
Supporting Industry

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.

ASSISTANCE WITH VEHICLE STANDARDS
AUTOMOTIVE assists industry to interpret the administration and application of a wide spectrum of national and international Vehicles laws and standards. Enquiries from consumers are also dealt with and technical guidance given.
Imports and Exports
PROVISION OF IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
Automotive issues Letters of Authority (LOA’s) required by importers in order to obtain Customs clearance. LOA’s are only issued in respect of vehicles that comply with regulatory requirements.
Services to Government

AUTOMOTIVE supports Government in ensuring the safety of Vehicles, promotion of Automotive fair trade and in protecting national and international markets.

This is achieved by alignment of compulsory specifications with international regulations and standards and particularly with the UN ECE.
NRCS AUTOMOTIVE represents the South African Government on a number of international bodies including the United Nations Working Party 29 (UN WP 29) on Global Harmonization of Technical Regulations. It works in close co-operation with other legislators and regulators in the SADC region.
Consumer and Industry Watch Dog

In order to protect consumers AUTOMOTIVE maintains constant surveillance over the market for Vehicles and Vehicles components. When required it draws samples for inspection and testing by competent recognized laboratories.

AUTOMOTIVE welcomes comments, suggestions, complaints or other information about the products that we regulate.

Email Vehiclesreg@nrcs.org.za or phone +27 (0)12 428 5000.

Home
About Us
Speeches
News & Events
Services
Tenders
FAQ
Vacancies
Contact Us
Departments
Compulsory Specifications
Publications
Request for Comments