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Automotive - Overview

​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 the international safety standards which are 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 (Act 93 of 1996).

NRCS administers compulsory specifications for the fitness of previously unregistered vehicles offered for sale for use on public roads, as well as off-road and specialized vehicles covered in terms of the National Road Traffic Act. The regulatory scope also includes certain safety-critical vehicle components and other automotive products which are covered in the relevant compulsory specifications. In general, the compulsory specifications are aligned with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations (UNECE Regulations) applicable to motor vehicles and their parts.

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 the 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.

Import of Vehicles by Private Individuals and Non-Registered Organisations

Importers must apply for a LETTER OF AUTHORITY (LOA).​

Approval and Inspection

T​he Approval Process

Each model (or family) of products covered by the scope of VCs require to be approved by the regulator before they enter the South African market. Approvals are conducted in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures. The regulator deploys a risk-based approach and evaluates the evidence of conformity submitted with the application for approval, only granting approval when the requirements of the relevant VCs have been met. The evidence of conformity includes a valid test report, issued by an appropriately accredited body.

The Role of Inspectors

Market surveillance inspectors, deriving their powers from the NRCS Act, Act 5 of 2008, as amended, conduct inspections on the market to verify compliance to the requirements of the relevant VCs. Where non-compliant products are found on the market, the inspectors are empowered to issue the appropriate sanctions in accordance with the enabling legislation to prevent such products from entering the market, thus protecting the health and safety of consumers.

The Inspection Process

In the process of conducting inspections, samples of products may be taken from the market for testing or to be kept as evidence. The sampled products are tested at the Third Party Accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies to verify compliance. The inspection process may include but is not limited to, the verification of the approval status of the products in question, conducting visual inspections in accordance with the requirements of the VC, verification of levies due to the regulator, and the evaluation of any relevant documentation that may be requested by the inspector, to assess conformity with the requirements.

Procedure On The Administration Of Type Homologation And LOA1 Approval Process​

The process for administering the approval activities within the automotive business unit will generally result in the issuance of a single certificate of compliance in a form of an LOA or homologation certificate. On the contrary, the process for tyre homologation and LOA1 for individual vehicles specifically for imports, comprise a “two-stage approach” which results in the issuance of a dual certificate of compliance. This procedure was developed as an addendum to the automotive business plan to distinctly explain the application of the dual certification process applicable to tyre homologation and LOA1 for individual vehicles.

Describing the “Two-Stage Approach"​
​Tyre Homologation

All imported tyres are first subjected to stage 1 of the homologation by evaluating the submitted documentary evidence of conformity against the mandatory requirements. Once the evaluation process establishes that the type of tyre complies with the mandatory requirements applicable, a preliminary/conditional letter of compliance will be granted to the applicant. The preliminary/conditional letter compliance which is valid for a period of twelve months may be presented to the International Trade Association Commission (ITAC) to facilitate the importation of such tyres into the country.

The applicant shall present the sample tyre/s for which a preliminary/conditional compliance letter has been granted, for inspection and verification against the entire relevant mandatory requirements before offered to the market. Upon satisfaction that the documentary evidence of compliance and the sample presented meet all the applicable requirements including those in the preliminary/conditional letter of compliance granted, the final homologation approval letter will be granted to conclude the process.

Letter Of Authority (LOA) 1

Certain imported motor vehicles by private persons which are classified as high risk in accordance with the automotive risk criteria will be subjected to stage 1 of the vehicle LOA process by evaluating the submitted documentary evidence of conformity against the mandatory requirements as applicable. Once the evaluation process establishes that the vehicle model complies with the mandatory requirements applicable, a conditional LOA1 will be granted to the applicant. The conditional LOA1 is valid for a period of twelve months which may be presented at the port of entry to facilitate the importation and release of such vehicle into the country.

The applicant shall present the vehicle unit for which conditional LOA1 has been granted, for inspection and verification against the entire relevant mandatory requirements before registration on the electronic National Traffic information system (eNatis) can be permitted. Upon satisfaction that the documentary evidence of compliance and the vehicle unit presented to meet all the applicable requirements including those in the conditional LOA1 granted, the final LOA1 certificate will be granted to permit the registration of the vehicle unit. ​​

List of VC's of Regulated Products​

VC# Title Download
VC 8065 Compulsory specification for ball type couplings and towing brackets for towing caravans and light trailers Download
VC 8053 Compulsory specification for replacement brake lining assemblies for road vehicles Download
VC 8023 Compulsory specification for motor vehicles of category M2 and M3 Download
VC 8059 Compulsory specification for pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers Download
VC 8027 Compulsory specification for vehicles of category O3 and O4 Download
VC 8049 Compulsory specification for replacement headlights for motor vehicles Download
VC 8051 Compulsory specification for replacement safety glass for you in road vehicles Download
VC 8022 Compulsory specification for motor vehicles of category M1 Download
VC 8024 Compulsory specification for motor vehicles of category N1 Download
VC 8048 Compulsory specification for replacement incandescent lamps for motor vehicles Download
VC 8078 Compulsory specification for material for contour marking on motor vehicles - Withdrawn on 26 July 2013 Download
VC 8056 Compulsory specification for pneumatic tyres for passenger cars and trailers Download
VC 8016 Compulsory specification for safety helmets for motor cyclists Download
VC 8057 Compulsory specification for agricultural tractors Download
VC 8013 Compulsory specification for hydraulic brake and clutch fluid Download
VC 8050 Compulsory specification for replacement secondary lights for motor vehicles Download
VC 8080 Compulsory specification for replacement elastomeric cups and seals for hydraulic brake actuating cylinders for use in motor vehicles using non-petroleum base hydraulic brake fluid (service temperature 70 °C to 150 °C max) Download
VC 8033 Compulsory specification for child restraints for use in motor vehicles Download
VC 8062 Compulsory specification for retro-reflective number plates for motor vehicles - Withdrawn on 26 July 2013 Download
VC 9098 Compulsory specification for motor vehicles of Category L (Motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadrocycles) Download
VC 8026 Compulsory specification for category O1 and O2 vehicles (caravans and light trailers) Download
VC 8025 Compulsory specification for motor vehicles of category N2 and N3 Download

LOA and Application Forms

Form Category Download
AM Form 014 - South African Bureau of Standards - Production Conformance Summary of Evidence (2nd Ed) Motorcycle,Load Bodies,Tractors,N2/N3 vehicle Homologation,N1 Vehicle Homologation,M2/M3 Vehicle Homologation,M1 Vehicle Homologation,O3/O4 Vehicle Homologation,O1/O2 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 008 - Application for Homologation Terms and Conditions Motorcycle,N2/N3 vehicle Homologation,N1 Vehicle Homologation,M2/M3 Vehicle Homologation,M1 Vehicle Homologation,O1/O2 Vehicle Homologation,O3/O4 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 061 - Model Details of Category L Vehicles Motorcycle Download
AM Form 064 - Summary of Evidence for Category L Vehicles Motorcycle Download
Notification of Vehicle Model Motorcycle,Load Bodies,Tractors,N2/N3 vehicle Homologation,N1 Vehicle Homologation,M2/M3 Vehicle Homologation,M1 Vehicle Homologation,O1/O2 Vehicle Homologation,O3/O4 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 062 - Production Conformance Summary of Evidence for Category L Vehicles Motorcycle Download
AM Form 055 - Category 53 Vehicles S-NVM Load Bodies Download
AM Form 030 - Stop Lamps - Inspection Report for Load Bodies Load Bodies Download
AM Form 034 - Document Evaluation Checklist for Load Bodies Load Bodies Download
AM Form 036 - Summary of Evidence for Agricultural Tractors Tractors Download
AM Form 058 - Document evaluation check list for Agricultural Tractors Tractors Download
AM Form 037 - Application for Homologation Agricultural Tractor Tractors Download
AM Form 043 - Vehicle Model Details Homologation of Category O Vehicle O1/O2 Vehicle Homologation,O3/O4 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 067 - Prescreening documents checklist.doc Approval Requirements Download
AM Form 066 - Document Evaluation Checklist Category O1 and O2 Trailers O1/O2 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 042 - Compliance Summary of Evidence for Homologation of Category O1 and O2 Trailer O3/O4 Vehicle Homologation,O1/O2 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 065 - Document Evaluation Checklist for Category O3 and O4 Trailers O3/O4 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 002 - Compliance Summary of Evidence M and N N1 Vehicle Homologation,M2/M3 Vehicle Homologation,M1 Vehicle Homologation,N2/N3 vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 053 - Model Details for the Homologation of Category M and N Vehicles M1 Vehicle Homologation,M2/M3 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 057 - M2 and M3 Homologation Evaluation Check Sheet M2/M3 Vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 004 - Model Details for Homologation of M and N N1 Vehicle Homologation,N2/N3 vehicle Homologation Download
AM Form 044 - Document Evaluation Checklist Category N2 and N3 Trucks N2/N3 vehicle Homologation Download
Example A Form 020 Application Form for Homologation of Passenger Tyres General Download
AC Form 044 - Requirements for Approval of Automotive Components General Download
Form 015 - Registration of New Levy Payer General Download
VIN Layout General Download
Data Plate General Download
ALA application form for modified vehicles by private person Approval Requirements Download
Form 013 Example R Application Form for Homologation of Child Restraints Approval Requirements Download
Form AC 008 Application of Homologation of Safety Helmets Approval Requirements Download
LOA1 application form for imported motor vehicles by private person Approval Requirements Download
AC Form 033 - Automotive Replacement Incandescent Lamps VC 8048 SANS 1376-1 as amended Approval Requirements Download
AC Form 034 - Automotive Replacement Headlamps - VC 8049 SANS 1376-2 as amended Approval Requirements Download
AC Form 035 - Automotive Replacement Secondary lights VC8050 SANS 1376-3 Approval Requirements Download
Homologated child restraints website 2022 Approval Requirements Download

Database of Approved Products

Title​​ Download
Homologated Motorcycle Helmets Download
Homologated Child Restraints Download
NRCS updated homologated motorcycle helmets website July 2022 Download
Homologated child restraints website July 2022 Download
NRCS homologated motorcycle helmets July 2020 Download

Frequently Asked Questions

The Automotive Unit is the inspectorate and approval authority in South Africa. We administer both the NRCS Act and certain provisions of National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996) with a specific focus on the inspectorate approval of Manufacturers, Builders and Importers (MIB’s) of motor vehicles. 

NRTA requires that anyone wishing to import, manufacturer or build motor vehicles for the purpose of selling, such manufacturer, importer or builder of motor vehicles must register at their provisional offices of the Department of Transport (DoT). 

Registration of MIBs may only be granted if DoT is satisfied with the recommendation by both the Automotive Unit and the SAPS. A registered MIB will then be issued with a certificate of registration. 

The Automotive Unit is mandated to evaluate the applications and recommend to the DoT regarding the suitability of registration. 

Only registered MIB may apply at the NRCS for approval of motor vehicle models for selling purposes. Motor vehicle models must meet all the relevant legislation prior to approval being granted.​

Yes, motor vehicles manufactured, imported or built for personal use are allowed registration in South Africa if they have been approved by the Automotive Unit. A Letter of Authority must be applied for at the NRCS for a specific motor vehicle and only if the relevant national legislation is complied with may a letter be issued.​

No, the Unit relies on test reports and certificates from a registered technical assessment body (test lab) and a visual inspection to verify compliance of the motor vehicle model. It remains the responsibility of the MIB to have their motor vehicle model tested before seeking approval.​

Certain replacement components and accessories of motor vehicles are regulated. No person is allowed to sell any products covered in the scope of regulated products unless such products have been tested and comply with the relevant legislative requirements determine Replacement components and accessories shall be granted with an LoA and or homologation certificate if they meet the relevant legislative requirements. 

These products are child restraints, motorcycle helmets, hydraulic fluid, brake pads, shoes and linings, motor vehicle lights and bulbs, rubber seals for brake callipers and master cylinders, automotive safety glass, tow bars, passenger and commercial tyres.​

Yes, fees are paid in the form of levies and service fees for services rendered. Payable fees are gazetted and are reviewed from time to time in consultation with stakeholders.​

Levy

Levy Download
Automotive 2018 B Return Download
Automotive 2021 B Return Download
Automotive 2017 B Type 5 Return Download
Automotive 2022 A Return Download
Automotive 2018 A Return Download
Automotive 2020 A Return Download
Automotive 2015 A Return Download
Automotive 2017 A Return Download
Automotive 2018 A Type 5 Return Download
Automotive 2021 A Return Download
Automotive 2019 A Return Download
Automotive 2013 B Return Download
Automotive 2017 B Return Download
Automotive 2020 B Return Download
Automotive 2016 B Return Download
Automotive 2016 A Return Download
Automotive 2019 B Return Download
Automotive 2015 B Return Download

Automotive sections and responsibilities​

Section and Responsibility Contact Person and Details

Vehicle homologation/approval for registered Manufacturers Importers and Builders

Responsible for:

  1. T​he approval and homologation of vehicle designs of locally manufactured and imported vehicles by registered Manufacturer, Importers and Builders
  2. The capture of data and model numbers for new vehicle models on the National Traffic Information System (NATIS)

Boitumelo Mokoena

Position: Administrator

Tel : 012 482 8817

Email:Boitumelo.Mokoena@nrcs.org.za
(for general enquiries)

Email:formsnls@nrcs.org.za
(for homologation and applications)

Mfundo Ngejane

Position: Natis Officer

Tel: 012 482 8731

Email: Mfundo.Ngejane@nrcs.org.za
(for NATIS related enquiries)

Themba Kaula

Position: Manager

Tel: 012 482 8817

Email: Themba.Kaula@nrcs.org.za

Vehicle homologation/approval for Non registered Manufacturers Importers and Builders

  1. The approval and homologation of vehicles manufactured, imported and built by manufacturers importers and builders not required to be registered (Private individuals and non-registered organisations)

Sifiso Phakathi
Tel:012 482 8865

Email: phakatsz@nrcs.org.za
(for Private Individual Vehicle Applications)

Charlotte Makou

Tel: 012 482 8785

Email: Charlotte.Makou@nrcs.org.za
(for Private Individual Vehicle Applications)

Alex Mkondo

Position: Manager

Email: Alex.Mkondo@nrcs.org.za

Tel: 012 482 8807

Automotive Components and related products

Responsible for:

  1. The approval and homologation of vehicle components and related products.

Administrator

Tel: 012 482 8818

Email: homologation@nrcs.org.za
(for vehicle components homologations and applications)

Alex Mkondo

Position: Manager

Email: Alex.Mkondo@nrcs.org.za

Tel: 012 482 8807​

Registration of new Manufactures, Importers and Builders of Motor Vehicle

Responsible for:

  1. Evaluation and registration of Manufacturers, Importers and Builders (MIB) of Motor Vehicles who manufacture, import and build motor vehicles for the purpose of selling.
  2. Administration of World Manufacturer Identifier Code for the purpose of creating vehicle identification Number(VIN) for registered manufacturers

​Tumelo Mokolokolo

Position: Inspections Manager

Tel: 012 482 8820

Email: Tumelo.Mokolokolo@nrcs.org.za

Market Surveillance Inspections Section

Responsible for

  1. Port of Entry Inspections and Enforcement
  2. Company Inspections and Enforcement
  3. Retail Inspections and Enforcement
  4. Compliance Audit for registered MIB’s
  5. Investigations of complaints concerning Compulsory Specifications

Aletta Sigasa
(Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northwest, Limpopo and Free State)

Position: Port of Entry Inspections Administrator

Tel: 012 482 8874

Email: Aletta.Saal@nrcs.org.za

GPPROFILE2@nrcs.org.za

Dewald Horn and Theo Becker
(Western Cape)

Position: Inspector(s)

Tel: 021 526 3400

Email: Dewald.horn@nrcs.org.za

Tel: 021 526 3453

Email: Theo.Becker@nrcs.org.za

Vuyo Grootboom
(Eastern Cape)

Position: Inspector

Tel: 041 398 6900 (ext:2018)

Email: Vuyo.Grootboom@nrcs.org.za

Nishlen Pather, Neil Sewamber & Thulani Mnguni
(Kwazulu Natal)

Position :Inspector(s)

Tel: 031 533 6720

Email: Nishlen.Pather@nrcs.org.za

Tel: 031 533 6720

Email: Neil.Sewamber@nrcs.org.za

Tel: 031 533 6720

Email: Thulani.Mguni@nrcs.org.za

Reuben Moloi

Position: Inspections Manager

Tel:012 482 8820

Email: Reuben.Moloi@nrcs.org.za

Tumelo Mokolokolo

Position: Inspections Manager

Tel:012 482 8820

Email:Tumelo.Mokolokolo@nrcs.org.za

Office of General Manager: Automotive

​Duncan Mutengwe

Position: General Manager

Jennifer Mahlangu (PA)​

Tel: 012 482 8774

Email: Jennifer.Mahlangu@nrcs.org.za​​​​​​​​

Contact Us

Head Office
SABS Campus,
1 Dr Lategan Road,
Groenkloof, Pretoria
Postal Address
NRCS, Private Bag X25,
Brooklyn 0075
Tel: +27 12 482 8700
Email: info@nrcs.org.za

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