Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B7: Product quality, safety or performance requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

01 June 2010 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette No. 33059, 1 April 2010 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Amendment To The Compulsory Specification For Motor Vehicles Of Category N2/3 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for motor vehicle models of category N2 and N3, not previously registered or licensed in South Africa, designed or adapted for operation on a public road.
1.2 The requirements of this specification shall, in so far as the parts already incorporated are concerned, apply in respect of an incomplete motor vehicle model supplied for further manufacture by one manufacturer to another and the entire specification shall apply to the vehicle after completion thereof by the last-mentioned manufacturer.
1.3 This specification does not apply to experimental or to prototype vehicles constructed or imported by the original manufacturers or importers for the purpose of testing, assessment or development, or to a type "A" military vehicle, or to special purpose vehicles of the type covered by National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996), or to agricultural tractors.
1.4 The relevant requirements of this specification shall effect on the dates specified in schedule 1. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

3.4.1.2 Right-hand drive
A vehicle shall be of a right-hand drive configuration, except as allowed in terms of 3.4.1.3.
3.4.1.3 Central steering
A vehicle may have a central steering configuration.
5.1 Vehicle dimensions
The dimensions of a vehicle shall comply with the applicable requirements of the relevant regulations of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996).
5.2 Information plates
5.2.1 Data plates
5.2.1.1 A vehicle shall have one or more metal data plates affixed by rivets, or by welding, or by any other method that will achieve permanency of attachment during the life of the vehicle, in a conspicuous and readily accessible position on a part not subject to replacement.
5.2.1.2 As an alternative to the above, a data plate may be a self-adhesive tamperproof metal or plastics label that is not transferable from one vehicle to another, is clearly legible, and undergoes permanent and obvious damage on removal. The self-adhesive tamperproof label shall be resistant to engine oils, to engine coolants, to normal engine temperatures and to humidity. In addition, it shall have permanency characteristics similar to those of the plate(s) described in 5.2.1.1.
6.1 Speedometers
A vehicle that is capable of exceeding a speed of 25 km/h on a level road shall be equipped with speedometer equipment that complies with the relevant requirements given in SABS 1441:1987, Motor vehicle safety specification for speedometer equipment on motor vehicles, as published by Government Notice no. 1878 of 4 September 1987:
Provided that any speed recording device fitted as speedometer equipment shall be exempted from the requirements of the said SABS 1441.
6.2 Engine, exhaust system and transmission
6.2.1 Engine
The engine of a vehicle shall be fitted with a cover that any part of the engine that constitutes a source of danger is out of normal reach of a person.
6.2.2 Exhaust system
The exhaust system of a vehicle shall comply with the requirements of the relevant regulations of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996).
6.2.3 Transmission
A self-propelled vehicle shall be equipped with a transmission that enables it to be controlled and driven in both a forward and a reverse direction.
6.3 Fuel system
6.3.1 Fuel filler cap.
The orifice for filling a fuel tank on a vehicle shall be fitted with an effective cap that prevents incidental ingress of water or other foreign matter.
6.4 Tyres
The tyres fitted to the wheels of a motor vehicle shall comply with the relevant requirements of the compulsory specification for pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers as published in the relevant government gazette and the National Road Traffic act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996).
6.5 Wheel flaps
Excluding truck-tractors, all vehicles shall be fitted with wheel flaps that comply with the relevant requirements given in SASS 1496:1989, Wheel flaps fitted to motor vehicles, as published by Government Notice no. 2008 of 22 September 1989:
Provided that
a) wheel flaps that are designed and approved by the vehicle manufacturer may be fitted as an alternative, and
b) chassis-only vehicles and chassis-cab vehicles that are being driven to a place to have body work fitted or to a dealer of such vehicles are excluded from the fitment of wheel flaps. 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 3.4.1.2 ; 3.4.1.3 ; 5.1, 5.2 and 6 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Motor vehicles in N2/N3 category
Category N2 motor vehicle, is one that is used for the carriage of goods and that has a maximum mass of more
than 3,5 t but not more than 12 t.
Category N3 motor vehicle, is one that is used for the carriage of goods and that has a maximum mass exceeding
12 t 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries