After the June 2016 signing of a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a revised approach to the issue of Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility (EMI/EMC) Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) lodged a notification with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The main purpose for the issuance of CoCs is to ensure that the limits of radiated and electromagnetic disturbances emanating from electrical and nontelecommunications electronic equipment and products comply with Icasa’s regulated standards.

“The introduction of the conformity assessment procedure is to give effect to existing EMI/EMC regulations, which call for conformity assessment of products to protect the integrity of public networks and the consumer to avoid harmful interference; ensure and validate that electronic and electrical equipment entering the South African market meets the required EMC performance standards as per Icasa regulations; and to ensure traceability of actual testing samples and address changes to critical components in electrical and electronic products,” the parties outlined in the document submitted to the WTO.

The notice, submitted on September 22, under the agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), aims to ensure that the revised conformity assessment procedure for the issuance of CoCs to domestic manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic products does not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.

TBTs are measures, including technical regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures, adopted by governments establishing product requirements for the fulfilment of public policy objectives, such as human health and safety, environmental protection, and consumer information or quality.

As a signatory to TBT, South Africa is required to notify other members of any new regulations or changes to existing technical regulations and conformity assessment.

Circulated as WTO document G/TBT/N/ZAF/220, interested parties have 60 days from the date of publication to make written representations.