Controlled, Restricted & Hazardous Goods Permit / non-SARS document

NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) NRCS

An approval from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications confirming a regulated product (many electricals, electronics, some foods) meets SA safety standards.

Last updated: 24 May 2026

Not a SARS form The NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) is issued by a body other than SARS. See the Where to submit row below for the issuing body. SARS checks for it at clearance but does not issue it.
Quick answer

NRCS — An approval from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications confirming a regulated product (many electricals, electronics, some foods) meets SA safety standards.

Issued by National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)

This is not a SARS form — apply directly with the issuing body. SARS checks for the permit at clearance but does not issue it.

Open the official issuer site ↗

Key facts

When you need itImporting goods under a compulsory specification — much consumer electronics, appliances, certain processed foods.
Where to submitApplied for at the NRCS, NOT SARS. Attached to your clearance.
Does customs stamp it?NO PHYSICAL STAMPIssued by the NRCS; the required tariff codes shift — always check the current SARS list.
Commonly confused withSeparate from the ITAC permit; a single shipment can need both.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) a SARS form?

No. The NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) is not issued by SARS — it is a permit / certificate from another body. An approval from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications confirming a regulated product (many electricals, electronics, some foods) meets SA safety standards. See "Where to submit" below for the issuing body.

When and where do I lodge the NRCS?

Importing goods under a compulsory specification — much consumer electronics, appliances, certain processed foods. Applied for at the NRCS, NOT SARS. Attached to your clearance.

Does customs stamp the NRCS?

Issued by the NRCS; the required tariff codes shift — always check the current SARS list.

Related forms

ITACITAC Import / Export Permit A permit from the International Trade Administration Commission, required to import or export specific controlled goods … DAFFAgriculture Sanitary-Phytosanitary Certificate A health certificate from the Department of Agriculture for animal and plant products, confirming they're safe and disea… DGDDangerous Goods Declaration The transport-safety declaration for hazardous cargo (flammables, batteries, chemicals, aerosols), classified under air …

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This page is a plain-English guide, not legal or customs advice. Form names and procedures are verified against the official SARS "Find a Form" index at the time of publication, but requirements change — always confirm on sars.gov.za or with a registered customs broker before lodging. The NRCS Letter of Authority (LOA) is NOT a SARS form — it is issued by a body other than SARS.