Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B82: Testing requirement 

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

3.3 Plastic carrier bags and flat bags shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type of bag approved under this compulsory specification. Manufacturers and importers shall control production and/or conduct routine testing in accordance with Annexure B, to continuously verify that this condition is met.

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.
B.1 The responsibility of the applicant, particularly to the assessment of conformity of production:
B.1.1 In agreement with the NRCS, the applicant or a conformity assessment body shall be responsible for the control of conformity of production.
B.1.2 Ensure that the routine test results are recorded and that the records remain available for a time period of five (5) years.
B.1.3 Analyse the routine test results of each type of test in order to verify and ensure the conformity of production of each type of bag, making allowances for the variations experienced industrial production.
B.1.4 Ensure that at least the tests prescribed in paragraph B.3 are carried out routinely for each type of bag.
B.1.5 Ensure that when any samples show non-conformity with the test concerned, further samples are taken and tested. All the necessary steps must be taken to restore conformity of the corresponding production and prevent the sale of non compliant products.
B.1.6 The applicant shall ensure that the body as agreed to by the NRCS in paragraph B.1.1 carries out conformity control on a statistical basis and by random sampling. 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 3.3; A 1.3 and B.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