Conference unpacks importance of regulation

“The importance of regulation in support of industry, consumers and the economy” was the theme of the inaugural NRCS conference held in Johannesburg last week. The conference had three key purposes. Among others, these were to provide an understanding of governmental initiatives; to develop relationships with stakeholders; and to cultivate a more informed understanding of the NRCS and the regulatory environment within which it operated. Some of the issues discussed at the conference were the industrial policy action plan (IPAP) imperatives, the national development plan (NDP) and the standards development process (SDP). On its website, the NRCS pointed out that it was the duty of the importer to provide reliable proof of conformity of its products to the applicable compulsory specifications. It was also adamant that it would accept test reports from any conformity assessment body, local or foreign, that met its requirements. This being a statement that contradicts another complaint made to FTW – that the NRCS was refusing to accept international standards compliance. “Importers need to understand that they must provide proper scientific proof that their goods comply with SA standards, which are often the same as those of other reputable regulatory bodies,” said our source. “If that proof is acceptable, an LOA will be issued.”