Applying for a Letter of Authority (LOA) can be frustrating and cumbersome. With years of experience obtaining LOA’s for clients, we can help you obtain LOA’s efficiently and hassle-free.
The National Regulator of Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) issue LOA’s after evaluating the relevant product for compliance with the South African National Standards (SANS).
Products requiring an LOA
Automotive products
Built Environment
Chemical Products, Mechanical Devices and Materials
Electrical Products and Appliances
Frozen Fish, Canned Fishery, Canned Meat and Live Abalone
Legal Metrology
Safety Products
LOA application process
Applications are submitted online and others are submitted manually. This depends on the products and the NRCS Division it falls under.
The processing time for LOA applications is 120 days. This period includes resolving any queries that may be raised regarding the LOA application. Applying on time is important to avoid disruption to imports.
Requirements for LOA applications
Requirements for LOA applications differ with the product. The key document is the product test report.
The test report has to be valid.
The test report has to indicate the test and standard, details of testing authority, identify the product among others. Unscrupulous manufacturers may provide fake product test reports!
Samples of the product and technical file may be required for some products like safety shoes and gumboots. The technical file contains specific detailed technical information. We assist the importer and manufacturer in preparing the technical file.
Importing goods without an LOA
Importing goods without an LOA is an expensive undertaking. Customs or NRCS place goods imported without an LOA under embargo. In the meantime, the goods are stored in a State Warehouse or in the Importers Warehouse. Releasing of goods to the importer needs a Release Order under Embargo from Customs.
The Release Order Under Embargo comes with specific conditions. No selling and unpacking takes place. Customs will conduct a random inspection.
We assist you to:
- Apply for new LOA’s and renew existing ones.
- Apply for a sales permit.
- Prepare levy returns.
- Get your products tested at NRCS recognized test laboratories (if a compliant product test report is not already available).
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