SABS warns of tough rules for automotive components

July 1 deadline for compliance
ALAN PEAT
THE SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) has warned that from Saturday July 1 certain safety-critical automotive components will not be released by customs unless confirmation is available that the imported articles comply with the compulsory standards applicable in SA. And the only acceptable confirmation to customs is a letter of authority (LOA) issued by the SABS, according to the bureau’s Dries van Tonder, who added that the approval and issuing of the LOA could be done the same day as the application. “An original of the LOA has to be shown to customs for each clearance,” he said. “Four originals of each letter are normally issued by the SABS - to facilitate simultaneous clearance of shipments at different ports.” LOAs are issued for specific products detailing the supplier/manufacturer and reflect the applicable tariff item and component/part numbers. According to Van Tonder, two items have been added to the original list of automotive components which fall under the new regulation, and one removed. The final list is: Unmounted or mounted brake linings and pads; brake drums and discs; brakes of 8714.94.00; toughened or laminated motor glass; electrical lighting or signalling equipment and parts; motor vehicle lamps (globes); motorcycle helmets; and elastomeric cups and seals (brake rubbers and seals). The procedure is handled by the SABS automotive regulatory department, and if you have any enquiries on these compulsory specifications or the issue of LOAs they can be directed to: Eunice Legodi. Telephone: (012) 428-6112; or e-mail: legodiq@sabs.co.za; or René Day. (012) 428-6516 or dayr@sabs.co.za