In its bid to enforce compliance on regulated products across the country, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) confiscated thousands of unsafe products in various parts of the Harry Gwala District Municipality in Kwa- Zulu Natal.
Held from Monday,18- Thursday, 21 September 2023 in Ixopo, Kokstad, UMzimkhulu and Harding, the surprise raids were part of the NRCS rural engagement campaign which is aimed at deepening consumer awareness regarding product safety and the general mandate of the organisation.
These confiscated products worth approximately R600 000, range from incandescent lamps, plastic carrier bags, non-pressure paraffin stoves, paraffin heaters, swimming aids, adaptors, extension cords, chargers, lamp holders, hair dryers, hair straighteners, spiral hotplates, steam irons, water heaters, microwaves, TV games, electric kettles, vacuum cleaners, brake shoes, brake pads, brake linings, diapers (various sizes), tea bags (various names), toothpaste, chemed cement, warrior safety boots, Baouuan baby boats, disinfectants, cigarette lighters to electric plugs.
These products were found to have contravened the requirements of the NRCS Act No. 5 of 2008, and as a result, will be destroyed in line with the NRCS mandate of protecting human health, safety, the environment and ensuring fair trade.
The NRCS is mandated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to protect the safety and health of consumers by enforcing compliance to compulsory specifications and technical regulations in the Automotive, Electro-technical, Food and Associated Industries, Chemical, Mechanical and Materials industries as well as the administration of both the Legal Metrology Act and National Building Regulations and Standards Act.
The organisation was joined NRCS by several stakeholders such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Department of Home Affairs, National Consumer Commission (NCC) National Credit Regulator (NCR), Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MOISA), National Consumer Commission (NCC), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and law enforcement officers in various local municipalities in Ixopo, Kokstad, UMzimkhulu and Harding.
