Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B33: Packaging requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

20 August 2003 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Notice No. R. 862 (Government Gazette 25082) Of 20 June 2003 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Compulsory Specification For Child Restraints For Use In Motor Vehicles 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

This specification applies to child restraint that are suitable for installation in power driven vehicles that have three or more wheels. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

8 Instructions
8.1 Each child restraint shall be accompanied by instructions for installation and use, at least in English.
8.2 The instructions for installation shall include the following:
a) For child restraints of the universal category the following label shall be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing:
Notice
1. This is a universal child restraint. It is for general use in vehicles and it will fit most, but not all, car seats.
2. A correct fit is likely if the vehicle manufacturer declares in the vehicle handbook that the vehicle is capable of accepting a universal child restraint for this age group.
3. This child restraint has been classified as universal under more stringent conditions than those that applied to earlier designs that do not carry this notice.
4. If In doubt, consult either the child restraint manufacturer or the retailer.
b) For child restraints of the restricted and semi-universal categories the following information shall be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing:
This child restraint is classified for (restricted/semi-universal) use and is suitable for, fixing onto the indicated seat positions of the following cars:
Seat positions in other cars may also be suitable to accept this child restraint. If in doubt, consult either the child restraint manufacturer or the retailer.
c) For child restraints of the specific vehicle category, information on the applicable vehicle shall be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing.
d) If the device requires an adult safety belt, the following wording should also be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing:
Only suitable for use in the listed vehicles fitted with lap/3-point/static/retractor safety belts, that comply with SABS 1080 or other equivalent specifications. (Delete lap/3-point, etc. as appropriate.) (In the case of carry-cot restraints, a list of items for which the device is suited shall be given.)
e) The child restraint manufacturer shall provide information on the packing boxes to the address to which the customer can write to obtain further information on fitting the child restraint in specific cars.
f) The method of installation shall be illustrated by means of photographs, or very clear drawings (or both).
9) The user shall be advised that the rigid items and plastic parts of a child restraint shall be so located and installed that they are not likely, during everyday use of the vehicle, to become trapped by a movable seat or in a door of the vehicle.
h) The user shall be advised to use carry-cots perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
i) In the case of rearward-facing child restraint systems, the customer shall be advised not to use the systems in seating positions where an airbag is installed. This information shall be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing,
j) In the case of special-needs restraints, the following information shall be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing:
This special-needs restraint is designed to give extra support to children who have difficulty in sitting correctly in conventional seats. Always consult your doctor to make sure that this restraint system is suitable for your child.
8.3 The Instructions for use shall include the following:
a) the mass group(s) for which the device is intended;
b) when the child restraint is used in combination with an adult safety belt, the type of safety belt to be used, using the following wording: "Only suitable for use in the listed vehicles fitted with lap/3- point/static/retractor safety belts that comply with SABS 1080 or other equivalent specifications"
(delete lap/3-point, etc. as appropriate);
c) the method of use, illustrated by means of photographs or clear drawings (or both); in the case of seats that can be used both In forward-facing and rearward-facing positions, clear warning must be given to keep the restraint rearward-facing until the child's mass exceeds a stated limit, or until some other dimensional criterion is exceeded;
d) the operation of the buckle and adjusting devices, explained clearly;
e) a recommendation that any straps holding the restraint to the vehicle be tight, that any straps restraining the child be adjusted to the child's body, and that straps should not be twisted;
f) the importance of "ensuring that any lap strap be worn low down, so that the pelvis is firmly engaged;
g) a recommendation that the restraint be replaced when it has been subjected to violent stresses during a collision;
h) instructions for cleaning;
]) a general warning to the user concerning the danger of making any alterations or additions to the restraint without the approval of the competent authority, and the danger of not following closely the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child restraint;
j) when a chair is not provided with a textile cover, a recommendation that the chair be kept away from sunlight, to prevent it from becoming too hot for the child's skin;
k) a recommendation that the child not be left in the child restraint unattended;
I) a recommendation that any luggage or other objects liable to cause injuries in the event of a collision be properly secured; and
m) a recommendation that
1 ) the child restraint not be used without the cover, and
2) the seat cover not be replaced with any other cover than the one recommended by the manufacturer, because the cover constitutes an integral part of the restraint performance. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 8 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Child restraints 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries