The Type Approval Regulations, 2013 and Labelling Regulations, 2013, which have been in force since 2013, will be replaced by the Equipment Authorization Regulations, 2022, published by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) at the end of March 2022.
There is inconsistency in the document as to whether it says 2021 or 2022. At the beginning of the document it is titled "...hereby publishes the Equipment Authorisation Regulations, 2022". In Section 27, however, the short title is "These Regulations are called the Equipment Authorization Regulations, 2021."
In addition, it is unclear when the new rule will be applied. The publication states that the "Authority" (= ICASA) will determine the start of application.
In both cases, it's a case of wait and see.
Specifics:
- The label changes: instead of "Approved", "CLASSIFICATION Z" is shown on the label, where Z is a placeholder for the risk class of the product. Currently, only the two risk classes 2 and 3 are part of the mentioned conformity assessment procedures. In both cases, approval is granted by the authority and an approval number is assigned. Products in risk class 1 are excluded from the "Equipment Authorization".
- The two possible conformity assessment procedures are "Statement of Conformity" for products of risk class 2 and "Certificate of Conformity" for products of the highest risk class: 3.
- For risk class 2, an independent body is required to issue a "Statement of Conformity".
- For risk class 3, a "designated Certification Body" is required to issue a "Certificate of Conformity".
- As before, the label must be scratch-resistant and able to withstand UV radiation.
- Electronic labeling ("e-Label") is still possible upon application to the authority.
- Via an electronic procedure, the documentation must be submitted by a local person. This person is responsible for the product in South Africa. This person must be authorized by ICASA to make these applications.
- Generally, the certificates are issued without a time limit.
The good news is that the certificates issued so far by ICASA with the corresponding device marking remain valid until the expiry of the corresponding certificate.
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