Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B14: Authorization requirements for importing certain products 

Date when the measure came into force

16 July 2014 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette No. 37631, 16 May 2014 

Regulation where the measure is specified

The Compulsory Specification For Safety Glass And Other Safety Glazing Materials - VC 9003 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

1.1 This compulsory specification covers the requirements for safety glass and other safety glazing materials used in buildings in accordance with Part N of the National Building Regulations, and in any other application in which breakage due to human contact may result in serious injuries. Products within the scope of this compulsory specification include but are not limited to: Stock sheets of laminated safety glazing materials, i.e. sheets of safety glazing produced by a manufacturer equipped to laminate safety glass that will be cut to size by an installer;
• Toughened safety glass, i.e. panels of flat safety glazing manufactured from flat glass, cut to size, and then tempered;
• Polymeric glazing, i.e. sheets of transparent plastics that can be cut to size;
• Any glazed products that may be subjected to human impact;
• Any other material claimed to be safety glazing.
1.2 Safety glazing used in automotive applications is excluded. 

Description of the measure

3.3 The applicant shall ensure that every type of safety glazing material has been approved by the NRCS in accordance with the requirements of Annex A of this compulsory specification before manufacture, import, sale or supply.
3.4 The applicant shall inform the NRCS of any change in the material, method of manufacture, design or components affecting any mandatory requirement of this compulsory specification.
A.1 Application for Approval
The applicant shall apply to the NRCS for approval of every type of safety glazing material. The application shall be accompanied by the following:
A.1.1 Technical specifications detailing the material composition, method of manufacturer and minimum thickness for the type of safety glazing material.
A.1.2 Details of the manufacturing plant/s where the safety glazing material is produced;
A.1.3 Evidence of conformity including test reports issued not more than 12 months before the date of submission to the NRCS by a conformity assessment body recognized in terms of the NRCS's Conformity Assessment Policy, to prove compliance with all the relevant requirements of this compulsory specification;
A.1.4 The markings to be applied to each type of safety glazing material;
A.1.5 Information to the satisfaction of the NRCS regarding the measures taken by the applicant to ensure ongoing conformity of the safety glazing material; and
A.1.6 Any reasonable additional information as may be requested by the NRCS. 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 3.3, 3.4 and Annex A 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Safety glazing material: Glazing material that is so manufactured, constructed, treated and combined with other materials and components that, if broken by human contact, the likelihood of cutting or piercing injuries that might result from such contact are minimized. 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries