1. NRCS – LETTER OF AUTHORITY REQUIRED FOR FACE MASKS
The National Regulator of Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has indicated that certain products defined on the List of Critical Supplies as published by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) are subject to homologation and/or Letters of Authority (LOA’s), specifically Face Masks. Our industry is of the view that enforcement of the regulations and the associated costs of obtaining a “Sales Permit” is hardly justifiable in light of the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an appeal has been made to the relevant authority to relax the requirements for the duration of the lockdown.
However, until such time as we have a firm directive from the relevant authority, kindly be guided by the below communication. For your convenience, the Sales Permit can be retrieved below:
CMM – Sales Permit for Masks
In the wake of the Covid-19 and the resultant shortage, we are considering a Sale permit route for temporary approval. We will still need test reports to prove compliance. We have agreed with the test laboratories in the country to, as a minimum, FFP2 perform the following tests:
• Total inward leakage
• Particle penetration;
• Breathing resistance;
• Flammability;
• Practical performance (check face fit and comfort-ability)
For Medical Mask/Respirators SANS 1866:2018 For Surgical Mask tested to EN14683 or equivalent. Please submit to SAHPRA
For N95 masks, we will test according to above, SANS 50149 and EN 14683.
We selected the most critical tests for the different products. This is only a temporary agreement with manufacturers and distributors, therefore after this critical period, they must ensure the full testing of their products for approval (homologation).
Nkele Mangwane from Protechnik Laboratories is always reachable by phone (Nkele: 079 497 8788) and Martin van der Merwe, Chief Scientist, Cell: +27 82 923 0738
Protechnik Laboratories a Division of Armscor SOC Ltd
103 Combretum Crescent, Highveld Techno Park, Centurion, Gauteng
PO Box 8854, Pretoria, 0001.
Tel: +27 12 665 9431 | Fax: +27 12 665 0240 |
E-mail: martinm@protechnik.co.za web www.armscordi.com
Further controls on other items listed may be instituted, we will keep you informed as we come to find out.
2. POSSIBLE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS WHEN TRANSPORTING FACE MASKS / SURGICAL GLOVES
Our Insurers have advised that all shipments of Surgical or Medical Face Masks and Gloves with a value of R 500 000.00 or more would be required to have Armed Escorts accompany the shipment whilst in South Africa due to the high number of recent hi-jackings taking place on these commodities. If you carry your own Marine Cover, we recommend you check if this requirement applies to you too.
Be informed, be safe.
Ziegler South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Sean Moore
CEO