Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B7: Product quality, safety or performance requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

19 January 2011 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette No. 33763, 19 November 2010 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Amendment To The Compulsory Specification For MotorVehicles Of Category M1 

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 M1, not previously registered or licensed in South Africa, and motor vehicle models assembled from new bodies and used parts from earlier designs of motor vehicle models, 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, In addition, the requirements shall apply to
designs of bodies sold for the purposes of incorporating new or used parts of motor vehicle models
previously homologated (or previously produced) by other manufacturers.
1.3 This specification does not apply to
a) experimental or prototype vehicles constructed or imported for the purpose of testing, assessment or development, or
b) a motor vehicle model that was manufactured before 1965, that was not previously registered or licensed in South Africa, and that is so certified by a motor club approved by the relevant Minister, or
c) motor vehicles designed or adapted principally for the purposes of motor sport competition, and which are homologated under the rules of the International Federation of the Automobile (FIA) and for which such homologation documentation is lodged with the Regulatory Authority, or d) motor vehicles for which Type Approval was granted under European Small (Low Volume) Series alternative according to article 8 of the Directive EC/70/156, provided:-
i) that not more than 10 such vehicles are registered in South Africa each year, and
ii) copies of all relevant approval and test documentation are lodged with the Regulatory Authority.
1.4 The relevant requirements of this specification shall take effect on the dates as specified in Schedule 1.
1.5 Except for the requirements of 3.7, which shall not be omitted or replaced, certain special category M1 motor vehicles designed or adapted for use as
a) mobile living accommodation (motor caravans),
b) ambulances and patient-transfer vehicles,
c) prisoner-conveyance vehicles,
d) hearses,
e) security and antiriot vehicles,
f) open sided passenger vehicles derived from vehicles other than category M1 vehicles may, alternatively, comply with the specific requirements of the relevant compulsory specification for another category of motor vehicle.
1.6 Vehicles that are sold with a category M2 seating configuration and with a category M1 seating configuration as an alternative, need not comply with the steering frontal impact requirements of 3.5.2.
1.7 Where a South African national standard, including an international standard or a UN ECE regulation adopted by South Africa as a national standard, is incorporated by reference into this specification, only the technical requirements/specification for the commodity and the tests to verify the compliance apply. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

3.4.1 Interior fittings
No fittings shall be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle unless they comply with the relevant requirements given in SABS 1047:1984, Motor vehicle safety standard specification for interior fittings (passenger cars), as published by Government Notice no. 149 of 1 February 1985, except that the minimum radius of curvature requirements for forward interior parts as required in terms of section 5.1 and 5.2 shall not apply in respect of vehicles fitted with both drivers and passenger airbag systems.
3.4.2 Controls
3.4.2.1 General
All controls that are fitted to a vehicle, and that are required for the operation of the vehicle, shall be so located that the driver can reach and operate them when he is seated in the normal driving position, with the seat belt fastened.
3.4.2.2 Right-hand drive
A vehicle shall be of a right-hand drive configuration, except as allowed in terms of 3.4.2.3.
3.4.2.3 Central steering
A vehicle may have a central steering configuration.
3.5.1 Energy absorption capacity of the steering control
The energy absorption capacity of the steering control shall comply with the relevant requirements given in SABS 1440:1987, Motor vehicle safety specification for the steering mechanism of motor vehicles (Category M1 only): Behaviour on impact, as published by Government Notice no. 2227 of 9 October 1987.
This standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.
3.5.2 Frontal impact characteristics
The frontal impact characteristics of the vehicle and its steering mechanism shall comply with the relevant requirements given in the said SABS 1440.
3.6 Requirements for door latches, hinges, entrances and exits
3.6.1 Door latches and hinges
Side doors fitted as a means of entrance or exit in a vehicle shall have door latches and hinges that comply with the relevant requirements given in SABS 1443:1987 Motor vehicle safety specification for door latches and hinges, as published by Government Notice No.2227 of 9 October 1987:
Provided that section 3 in annex 1 of the said SABS 1443 is excluded for the purposes of this compulsory specification.
3.6.2 Entrances and exits
The means of entrance to and exit from a vehicle that is designed and constructed with a fixed hood and that has a tare exceeding 570 kg, shall be as follows:
a) at least one ready means of entrance and exit on the left and right sides of the vehicle, each such means being equipped with a permanent device that is capable of being operated from both the inside and the outside of the vehicle for the purpose of opening and closing; or
b) a means as specified in (a) above, provided on one side of the vehicle and, on the other side or at the back, an accessible means of escape, of size at least 450 mm x450 mm, that is readily removable from both the inside and the outside of the vehicle or is equipped with a permanent device for opening and closing as specified in (a) above:
Provided that, in the case of a vehicle designed and constructed as an ambulance or for the conveyance of prisoners, such means need be provided in the driver's compartment only.
3.7 Requirements for seats, seat anchorages, restraining device anchorages,
restraining devices (safety belts) and supplementary restraining devices
(airbags)
3.7.1 Seats and seat anchorages
A vehicle shall be fitted with seats and seat anchorages that comply with the relevant requirements given in SASS 1429: 1987, Motor vehicle safety specification for strength of seats and of their anchorages, as published by Government Notice no. 1878 of 4 September 1987.
3.7.2 Restraining device anchorages
Excluding seating positions that have seats of the folding tip-up type, rearward-facing or sideways facing type, and seating positions in the rear rows of seats on simple single box type construction vehicles that contain at least three rows of seats,
a) all seating positions on a vehicle that requires to have restraining devices fitted, shall have restraining device anchorages that comply with the relevant requirements given in SABS 1430:1987, Motor vehicle safety specification for anchorages for restraining devices in motor vehicles, as published by Government Notice no. 1878 of 4 September 1987, and
b) all other seating positions on a vehicle shall have at least two lower restraining device anchorages installed, which shall comply with the relevant requirements given in (a) above: Provided that for rear outboard seating positions (except where no upper anchorages can be installed, for example, in a convertible type vehicle or in a vehicle with a removable roof or in an open sided passenger vehicle), two lower restraining device anchorages and one upper restraining device anchorage shall be fitted.
3.7.3 Restraining devices (safety belts)
3.7.3.1 The restraining devices (safety belts) that are fitted to a vehicle shall comply with the relevant requirements given in SASS 1080:1983, Restraining devices (safety belts) for occupants of adult build in motor vehicles (Revised requirements), as published by Government Notice no. 264 of 17 February 1984.
3.7.3.2 The type and location of the restraining devices (safety belts) required to be fitted to a vehicle and the method of installation thereof shall comply with the relevant requirements given in SABS 0168: 1983, The installation of restraining devices (safety belts) in motor vehicles, as published by Government Notice no. 265 of 17 February 1984, except that the same exclusions for seating positions shall apply as in 3.7.2.
3.7.4 Child restraints
In the case of any vehicle manufactured with child restraints installed, such child restraints shall comply with the compulsory specification for Child- restraining devices for use in motor vehicles as published by Government Notice no. 642 of 2 May 1997.
3.7.5 Supplementary restraining devices (airbags)
3.7.5.1 If a motor vehicle is fitted with an airbag assembly, it shall carry information to the effect that it is equipped with such an assembly.
3.7.5.1.1 In the case of a motor vehicle fitted with an airbag assembly intended to protect the driver, the information shall consist of the inscription "AIRBAG" located in the interior of the circumference of the steering wheel; this inscription shall be durably affixed and easily visible.
3.7.5.1.2 In the case of a motor vehicle fitted with a passenger airbag intended to protect the front seat occupants other than the driver, this information shall consist of a warning label. An example of a possible design of a pictogram is shown in figure 1.
3.7.5.2 A motor vehicle fitted with one or more passenger airbags shall carry information about the extreme hazard associated with the use of rearward-facing child restraints on seats equipped with airbag assemblies.
3.7.5.2.1 Every passenger seating position which is fitted with an airbag shall be provided with a warning label against the use of a rearward-facing child restraint in that seating position. The warning label, in the form of a pictogram which may include explanatory text, shall be durably affixed and located such that it is easily visible in front of a person about to install a rearward-facing child restraint on the seat in question. An example of a possible design of a pictogram is shown in figure 1. A permanent reference should be visible at all times, in case the warning is not visible when the door is closed. This requirement does not apply to those seats equipped with a device which automatically deactivates the airbag assembly when a rearward-facing child restraint is
installed.
Anti-theft devices shall be fitted and shall comply with the relevant requirements of SABS 1248:1986, Devices to prevent the unauthorized use of motor vehicles (anti-theft devices), as published by Government Notice no. 936 of 16 May 1986.
3.9 Requirements for head restraints
Head restraints, if forming an integral part of the seat back or if installed on any forward-facing seat of a vehicle, shall comply with the relevant requirements given in SASS 1269:1986, Motor vehicle safety specification for head restraints (passenger cars), as published by Government Notice no. 936 of 16 May 1986.
4 Requirements for the control of environmental interference
4.1 Suppression of radio and television interference
No.33763 79
A vehicle, its components and its accessories shall comply with the current applicable regulations relating to interference with communications, promulgated under the Telecommunications Act, 1996 (Act 103 of 1996).
4.2 Suppression of atmospheric pollution
4.2.1 The exhaust emission from the engine of a vehicle shall be such as to comply with the current applicable regulations promulgated under the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act 45 of 1965).
4.2.2 The gaseous and particulate emissions from the vehicle shall comply with the requirements of SABS ECE R83 Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the emission of pollutants according to engine fuel requirements to the level of ECE R83.02, except for the type V test (durability of pollution control devices), if homologated after 1 February 2005 but before 1 January 2006, thereafter new homologations shall comply with 4.2.3, or
4.2.3 The gaseous and particulate emissions from the vehicle shall comply with the requirements of SABS 20083 Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicle with regard to the emissions of pollutants according to engine fuel requirements to the level of ECE R83.04. Important: For "Operative Dates, Exclusions and Exclusion Expiry Dates" for requirements in 4.2.2 and 4.2.3, see Schedule 1 attached.
4.4 Suppression of noise emission· Vehicles in motion
With the exception of noise emission originating from audible warning devices, any noise emitted by a vehicle, determined in accordance with SABS 0205: 1986, The measurement of noise emitted by motor vehicles in motion, as published by Government Notice no. 936 of 16 May 1986, shall not exceed 82 dB(A). To allow for any lack of precision in the measuring equipment, the highest sound level reading obtained shall be reduced by 1 dB(A).
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 a metal data plate or plates affixed by rivets, or by welding I 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.
This standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.
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 Requirements for vehicle equipment, components and systems
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.
6.2 Engine, exhaust system and transmission
6.2.1 Engine
The engine of a vehicle shall be so 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 relevant regulations of the National Road Traffic Act.
6.2.3 Transmission
A vehicle, the tare of which exceeds 570 kg, 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. This standard is for internal use by SABS staff members only. Strictly not for distribution to third parties.
6.3.2 Fuel filler inlet
A vehicle equipped with a positive-ignition engine shall be fitted with a fuel inlet orifice so designed that it prevents the tank from being filled from a petrol pump delivery nozzle which has an external diameter of 23.6 mm or greater. For the purpose of this subsection, category M1 vehicles which are also offered in the M2
configuration shall be considered to be of category M2.
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 (yres for passenger cars and their trailers as published by Government Notice no. 1125 of 16 November 2001.
6.5 Vehicle bodies
Vehicle bodies referred to in 1.2 shall be provided with sufficient instructions on the selection and assembly of components, such that the completed vehicle complies (or is capable of complying) with the requirements of this specification, when the instructions are followed. 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 3.4.1 and 3.4.2
Regulations 3.5 , 3.6 , 3.7 , 3.8 and 3.9
Regulations 4.1 and 4.2.1 to 4.2.3
Regulations 4.4, 5.1 5.2.1 and 5.2.1.2
Regulation 6 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Motor vehicles in category M1
category M1 motor vehicle is one that is used for the carriage of passengers, that has at least four wheels, and that
has seating accommodation for not more than eight passengers in addition to the driver of the vehicle. 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries