Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B14: Authorization requirements for importing certain products 

Date when the measure came into force

06 March 2014 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Notice No. R. 651 (Government Gazette No. 36808) of 6 September 2013. 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Compulsory Specification For Plastic Carrier Bags And Flat Bags - VC 8087 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

1.1 This compulsory specification covers the requirements for plastic carrier bags and flat bags that are made from virgin thermoplastics material or any percentage of recycled thermoplastics or filler materials that are intended for
use to carry products from a point of sale to use.
1.2 This compulsory specification does not apply to refuse bags, barrier bags, bin liners, household plastic bags, zip lock bags or carrier bags made from materials other than those specified in paragraph 1.1. 

Description of the measure

3.2 Each type of bag shall be approved in accordance with the requirements of Annexure A of this compulsory specification before it is imported, sold or supplied in the Republic of South Africa.
A.1: Application for approval
The applicant shall apply to the NRCS for approval of every type of bag. The application shall be accompanied by the following:
A.1.1 Information on the construction (textured or non-textured) and material of the type of bag.
A1.2 Details of the manufacturing plant(s) where the type of bag is produced and/or the physical address where the imported products are received, stored or distributed from.
A1.3 Evidence of conformity, including test reports issued less than 12 months before the date of submission to the NRCS, by a conformity assessment body recognised in terms of the NRCS Conformity Assessment Policy, to prove compliance with all the relevant requirements of this compulsory specification.
A1.4 The intended position of the approval number on the bag as set out in Section no. 4 of this compulsory specification.
A1.5 Information with regards to the body that will carry out the routine tests during the control of production.
A1.6 Any additional information relevant to the application for clarification purposes, as may be requested by the NRCS. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 3.2 and A.1 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Plastic carrier bags and flat bags that are made from virgin thermoplastics material or any percentage of recycled thermoplastics or filler materials that are intended for use to carry products from a point of sale to use. 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries