NRCS

NRCS CONTINUES TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE STANDARDS AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN AFRICA

In March 2024, South Africa, represented by the South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS), hosted the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Technical Committee on Automotive Technology and Engineering (ARSO TC59).

This gathering signifies a notable milestone in the continuous endeavour to standardise

automotive regulations and standards across Africa, with the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) playing a crucial role by offering technical expertise.

Advancing Harmonization for Trade Facilitation

ARSO, mandated to synchronise African Standards and streamline conformity assessment procedures, aims to diminish Technical Barriers to Trade, fostering both intraAfrican and international trade while catalysing industrialisation across the continent. Within the ARSO framework, the NRCS stands as a beacon of expertise collaboration, driving the standardisation and regulatory framework agenda forward.

Driving Automotive Standardisation

ARSO TC59 operates within the ambit of standardising motor vehicles and their components and accessories, in accordance with the parameters outlined in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic under the United Nations. Leveraging technical proficiency and strategic collaboration, South Africa, through the SABS and NRCS, actively participates as a Contributing Member in this committee. Its consistent contributions to the formulation of African Standards underscore its commitment to advancing automotive standardisation in Africa.

Facilitating Collaborative Dialogue

The recent convening of ARSO TC59 in South Africa, facilitated through collaboration between ARSO and PTB Germany, served as a platform for deliberating the harmonisation of anticipated standards. The meeting provided an avenue for discussing proposed New Work Items from member states, while addressing comments on standards at various stages

of harmonisation. Attended by 17 ARSO Member States, including South Africa, alongside key stakeholders such as the Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme (TTTFP) and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), the event fostered robust dialogue and collaboration.

Alignment with Safer Vehicles Initiative

Aligning with the Safer Vehicles 2025 project by the NRCS, developments within ARSO TC59 resonate with advancements in the South African automotive landscape. Efforts persist to elevate other African nations to comparable standards, with the NRCS actively sharing its expertise on homologation matters and UNECE WP.29 activities and developments.

Addressing Critical Topics

Ongoing engagements within ARSO TC59 encompass a spectrum of critical topics, including fuel quality, advances in automotive technologies vis-à-vis greenhouse gas emissions and the capacity of member states to manufacture vehicles and associated automotive products. Additionally, the forum addresses conformity assessment of new vehicles and roadworthiness evaluation of imported used vehicles, among other pertinent issues.

Promoting Collaboration for Industry Advancement

In line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ARSO TC59 provides a platform for member states and industry associations to exchange experiences identify opportunities and address challenges within the automotive sector. During the recent meeting, South Africa, Morocco and the AAAM shared insights into the future trajectory of the automotive industry in Africa in light of AfCFTA. Representing South Africa, the NRCS offered a comprehensive overview of the local automotive industry's history, status and future prospects.

Fostering Knowledge Exchange

The culmination of the ARSO TC59 meetings included an illuminating industrial site visit to a local bus manufacturer, providing participants with first-hand insights and fostering greater collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Conclusion...

As Africa steers towards automotive excellence, the NRCS remains steadfast in its commitment to driving harmonization efforts, fostering innovation and propelling the continent's automotive industry to new heights. Through collaborative endeavours within ARSO TC59 and strategic partnerships, the NRCS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of automotive standards and regulations in Africa.