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.”