This directive, issued under section 33 of the Standards Act, 2008, provides a framework to support the application of South African National Standards (SANS) to certain imported products that are currently unregulated. It applies specifically to products that do not fall under compulsory specifications enforced by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
The Directive does not extend to products governed by other legislation, does not grant additional regulatory authority to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) beyond its existing mandate, and does not override or limit the legal responsibilities of the NRCS or any other regulatory body.
The programme applies on a most-favoured-nation basis to qualifying products from all origins, consistent with South Africa’s obligations under Article I of the GATT 1994 and Articles 2.1 and 5.1.1 of the WTO TBT Agreement. Risk classification of product categories is determined exclusively by objective criteria, including market surveillance findings, non-compliance incident records, consumer safety complaints, and product category risk profile, irrespective of country of origin.
Cosmetics & Skincare (Non-SAHPRA)
Non-Pressure Cookware & Kitchen Utensils
Furniture & Homeware
Mattresses & Foam Products
Outdoor & Leisure Equipment
School Supplies (Non-Toy)
Sporting & Recreational Goods
Candles & Decorative Burning Items
Toys (Grey-Area / Non-VC)
Internal-combustion generators
Plumbing components (Plastics, metal or ceramics)
Water reticulation systems: pipes, couplings, and Valves
Building and Construction Materials
Feminine and child hygiene products
