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How to get an NRCS letter of authority

The NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications) approves products that meet the compulsory specifications and issues Letters of Authority to manufacturers and importers. This guide uses only what the NRCS says on its public pages; the forms differ by product.

Who it is forManufacturers and importers of products covered by a compulsory specification
What it costsWe could not confirm fees: they differ by product and unit. Ask the NRCS business unit for your product.
How long it takesWe could not confirm a processing time.
Last checked9 November 2026

The steps, in order

How to get started

  1. Find out whether your product has a compulsory specification (NRCS lists them under compulsory specifications and technical regulations on its website).
  2. Contact the NRCS business unit that covers your product and follow its approval requirements. The NRCS says approval comes when the product meets the applicable compulsory specification.
  3. Provide proof of conformity. The NRCS says it accepts test reports from any conformity assessment body, local or foreign, that meets its requirements.
  4. Once the requirements are met, the NRCS issues the Letter of Authority so the products can be imported or offered for sale.
  5. If you import pre-packaged goods carrying the quantity (e-)mark, register as an importer under the Quantity Mark scheme (SANS 1841) and notify the NRCS of expected imports; the NRCS says such containers are then released to your warehouse for inspection instead of being detained.

Have these ready

Documents and information

  • Proof that the product meets the compulsory specification (test reports from a recognised body).
  • Company details and your role (manufacturer or importer).
  • Product and brand details. The form for your product comes from the NRCS business unit.

Be realistic

What to expect

The NRCS says SARS (Customs and Excise) often wants evidence that regulated products are NRCS approved before releasing a consignment at the port. An SABS mark does not replace a letter of authority for regulated products.

Watch out for scams. Our advice, not an official warning: use only nrcs.org.za, and do not pay an agent who guarantees an approval.
What we could not confirm. Per-product forms, fees and processing times. Which products need a letter of authority today (check the compulsory specification list).

Official pages

Start at the source

NRCS: imports and exports ↗NRCS: supporting the industry ↗NRCS: tenders ↗

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