Goods will be impounded if they don't comply THE FIRST phase of a new compulsory safety scheme for household electrical and similar products has kicked into gear.
The scheme, which is being controlled on behalf of the government by the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) and monitored through Customs, demands that importers of specified electrical goods obtain a full safety test report in terms of the International Electrotechnical Commission from the manufacturer certifying that the goods comply with international standards.
These certificates must be submitted to the SABS, which will return to the importer the required number of letters of authority for submission to Customs.
Failure to do so can result in the goods being withdrawn, impounded or even destroyed.
The new law was gazetted in November 1996 for implementation a year later. Customs has been brought in to help police imports because unscrupulous dealers have persisted in bringing unsafe commodities into South Africa and offering them for sale to the unsuspecting consumer. One of the main objectives of the scheme is to prevent illegal importation of electrical goods, according to SABS inspection services division manager, ÔWimpie' Lyons.
The first phase requires compulsory certification for audio and video, information technology equipment and some household appliances.
Although extensions may be granted for certain products after this date, in general compliance is required no matter how long the product has been on the market.
Retailers must also ensure that they buy only products that comply with the specifications, the SABS has warned.
The scheme will be policed by SABS inspectors who will simply ask for proof of compliance for articles inspected. This will have to be provided within five working days of the request. If it cannot be produced, a notice of non-compliance will be issued and the goods will be withdrawn until the documentation can be produced.
The SABS is also empowered to draw a sample of the product and test it against the compulsory specification. If non-conformities are found the cost can be recovered from the supplier.
The first phase, which has already been implemented, covers some 50 products. Phase 2, scheduled for November this year, covers a further 12 types, and the final phase, to be implemented in November 1999, incorporates the remaining 30 or so products.
Any queries can be directed to Lyons at the SABS offices in Pretoria.
