Standards

Mutual recognition agreement 8. (1) If a mutual recognition agreement exists between the regulator and a certification body or regulatory body in the country of origin of cement, the regulator may accept evaluation results of that cement if those standards are equivalent to NAMS/EN 197-1 and the criteria used to perform conformity assessment is equivalent to NAMS/EN 197-2. (2) The application procedure for importing cement into Namibia where a mutual recognition agreement exists, is illustrated by Annexure 3. (3) An importer must apply to the regulator using forms obtainable from the regulator and pay the prescribed fee for issuance of the attestation of conformity letter. 7125 Government Gazette 20 February 2020 7 (4) On receipt of an application made under subregulation (3) the regulator may issue the attestation letter per consignment to be imported into Namibia and the attestation letter is valid for 21 days. (5) The regulator may conduct a physical verification of the quantity and cement type imported. Surveillance 9. (1) The regulator must collect a minimum of six samples annually of each approved cement either from a depot, at point of entry into Namibia or manufacturing facility in Namibia and test the samples to confirm continuous compliance with the requirements of these regulations. (2) The regulator must conduct - (a) on-site surveillance inspections for Namibian or foreign manufacturers in the first and second year of certification or registration; and (b) a re-certification or re-registration inspection in the third year. Mark of conformity 10. (1) The manufacturer must affix an NSI standard mark of conformity for a cement product manufactured in Namibia and registered in terms of these regulations by the regulator on the packaging of the certified cement. (2) A manufacturer who fails to affix the mark of conformity referred to in subregulation (1) commits an offence and on conviction isliable to a fine not exceeding N$5 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both such fine and such imprisonment. 8 Government Gazette 20 February 2020 7125 ANNEXURE 1 Markings that must appear on packaging 1. The manufacturer must be guided by NAMS/EN 197-1 and NAMS/EN 197-2 or equivalent for the use of cement in compiling design mixes because guidelines and the information appearing on a bag of cement must not be misleading to the user. 2. (1) The information required in subparagraph (2) must be printed, the print must be at least 6mm high, legibly and indelibly on each bag in the English language. (2) The following information must be attached to or accompany the cement bags: (a) the manufacturer’s name, trademark and physical address; (b) identity of the factory, which may be in code, where the cement was produced; (c) the standard designation in accordance with Clause 8 of NAMS/EN 197-1; (d) a date or code that provides traceability to the date of packing or dispatch in the case of bulk cement; (e) the standard under which the cement was manufactured; (f) manufacturers’ guidelines for the use of the type and grade of cement and precautions to be observed in its use; (g) NSI Standard Mark of Conformity for cement products produced in Namibia; and (h) a statement of quantity as prescribed in the latest edition of the SADCMEL Document

4.2.1 Attestation of conformity

1. The requirement for one to apply for attestation of conformity should be that the import of cement should come from a country where NSI and another standards body have a mutual recognition agreement/ arrangement in place to recognize each other conformity assessment.

2. The process can take upto 10 working days however, the process can also be shorter.

3. yes, there are fees involved, application fees and assessment fees. Cost are application fee N$ 521.49 (excluding VAT)and assessment fees N$2 922.7 (excluding VAT)

4. The attestation of conformit is valid for 21 days. The application should be done well in advance hence the 21 days are considered sufficient to transport the approve products to arrive in the country.

5. the document required are bill of landing, product material safety date sheet/ certificate of conformity/ Permit/Mark of Conformiy/Product label/ certificate of analysis

6. yes, there is a regulation No.45 effective 12 May 2020.

7. Please refer to the attached documents

8. The requirements are as indicated in the regulation attached. The requirements are also covered in the attached regulations.

The licence requirements is for product to be imported from countries where no MRA exist.

4.2.2 a) importation of cement products where no MRA exist

1. the product certification form is herewith attached

2. refer to the section 5 of the application form

3. the application fee is fees used to cover the administration activities and assessment of the application form

4. the license is valid for 3 years

5.Application can be completed at own comfort and submitted to the NSI with all supporting document

6. yes, Contact details: Ms. Etuukata Nashima Acting General Manager: Certification and Manager: Certification Email: nashimae@nsi.com.na Tel: +264 813802512

b) 1. The requirement for import license is the same as the those covered under the import of cement products where no MRA exist

2. Application is the same as that for import of cement products where no MRA exist

3. yes, there are fees associated to this process which include, application fees, onsite inspection, testing fees and travelling fees.

4. the process can take up to 4 months, however the process is interactive is the timeline is fully dependent on those involved in it. The requirements for exporting cement We always advise that product requirements are established for the export market and it’s those products markets that requirements that must be adhered too.