Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B7: Product quality, safety or performance requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

05 April 2010 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette NO.32916, 5 February 2010 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Amendment To The Compulsory Specification For Motor Vehicles Of Category O1/O2(Caravans And Light Trailers) 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for vehicle models of categories 0 1 and O2 designed or adapted for operation on a public road at speeds greater than 40 kph, including new vehicle models and vehicle models that have not previously been registered or licensed in South Africa.
1.2 The requirements of this specification, in so far as the vehicle parts already incorporated are concerned, apply in respect of an incomplete vehicle supplied for further manufacture by one manufacturer to another and the entire specification applies to the vehicle after completion thereof by the last-mentioned manufacturer.
1.3 This specification does not apply to experimental vehicles or to prototype vehicles constructed or imported by the original manufacturer or importers for the purpose of testing, assessment or development, or to agricultural trailers, unless they are subsequently sold for use on a public road in South Africa.
1.4 The relevant requirements of this specification shall take effect on the dates as specified in schedule 1.
1.5 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 of the specifications for the commodity, and the tests to verify compliance apply. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

3.5 Requirements for couplings and drawbars on trailers with one axle or an axle unit
3.5.1 Coupling device
Excluding semi-trailers, trailers that have a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3,5 t shall have coupling devices that comply with the relevant requirements given in SANS 20055:2003 I ECE R55, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of mechanical coupling components of combinations of vehicles.
3.5.2 Static vertical loading on ball couplings
The maximum and minimum static vertical load at the centre of the ball socket on the coupling head shall be determined by the manufacturer, but in no case shall it exceed 100 kg or be less than 25 kg when the trailer is loaded. When a trailer is fitted with a stabilizer or an equalizer by the manufacturer, the effect of such a device on the maximum and minimum static vertical loads shall be stated by the manufacturer.
3.5.3 Height of the ball coupling device
The height of the ball coupling device fitted to a trailer, measured vertically above the ground to the
centre of the ball socket and with the interior floor of the trailer horizontal and the trailer at its gross
vehicle mass, shall be not less than 350 mm and not more than 465 mm, provided that any custom built
trailers that:
a) have tyre and wheel combinations with overall diameters that exceed 665 mm when measured in the unladen condition; or
b) are designed or adapted for towing behind vehicles that have a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3500 kg
shall be excluded for the purposes of this sub-section.
3.5.4 Trailer articulation clearance
The coupling device fitted to a trailer shall be located on the drawbar as shown in figure 1. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 3.5 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Couplings and drawbars on trailers with one axle or an axle unit of category O1/O2
Category O1 are single-axled trailers, other than semi-trailers, with a maximum mass not exceeding 0,75 t
Category O2 are trailers other than category OJ, with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,5 t 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries