National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is an entity of the Department of Trade and Industry established to administer compulsory specifications and other technical regulations with the view to protect human health, safety and the environment, and to ensure fair trade in accordance with government policies and guidelines.

The vision of the NRCS is to be a credible and respected regulator for the protection of the public, the economy and the environment. Its mission is to develop compulsory specifications and technical regulations, and maximise compliance of regulated products and services.

The NRCS’ strategic objectives are: to develop, maintain and administer compulsory specifications and technical regulations; to maximise compliance with compulsory specifications / technical regulations; recognition and awareness of the NRCS; and sound, effective and efficient organisational governance.

The broad mandate of the NRCS is to promote public health, safety and environmental protection through the development and enforcement of compulsory specifications and legal metrology technical regulations. While consumer protection lies at the heart of the activities of the NRCS, this function cannot be separated from South Africa’s role as a global trading partner. South African goods and services need to be competitive in terms of cost and quality and, at the same time, be guaranteed to be safe and fit for their purpose. The mandate of the NRCS is derived from the following legislation: the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act 5 of 2008 as amended; the Legal Metrology Act 9 of 2014; and the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 (NBR&BS Act).