South Africa’s electrical sector faces a growing threat from uncertified, non-compliant products entering the market through both informal channels and established online platforms, says Khensani Ndobe, International Export Sales Executive at CBi-electric.
Recent raids by the South African Police Service’s Anti-Counterfeit and Illicit Trade Unit, working with the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), uncovered thousands of rands worth of illegal electrical goods. While these enforcement actions are encouraging, they only scratch the surface of a much deeper problem. A Tax Justice South Africa survey revealed that 78% of industry leaders are concerned about the surge of such products being sold locally.
Electrical components are designed to safeguard lives and property. Circuit breakers, earth leakage devices and safety switches prevent electrocution, fires and catastrophic equipment failure. When uncertified versions are used, the consequences can be deadly. All products connected to mains electricity must meet national safety standards and carry a valid Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by the NRCS. Without this certification, there is no guarantee of performance or safety.
Unfortunately, many products sold online bypass this process completely. While installers may be tempted by lower prices, the hidden costs are severe: from legal liability and financial penalties to loss of professional reputation, not to mention the risk to end users.
The issue extends beyond individual projects. Non-compliant imports undermine legitimate businesses, threaten local manufacturing jobs and erode consumer trust. Globally, the counterfeit electrical goods trade is valued at around US$250 billion (R4 500 billion) each year. Similar investigations abroad have found widespread safety failures in online purchases, risks now entering South African homes and businesses through the same channels.
Online marketplaces often remove these products once identified, but by then they have already reached unsuspecting consumers. Industry professionals must take responsibility by sourcing only certified, standards-compliant goods from reputable local suppliers.
