This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 24 MEi 2023  No. 48652  3
General  notices  • alGemene  KennisGewinGs
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION
NOTICE  1825 OF 2023
1DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION
NATIONAL REGULATOR F OR COMPULSORY SPECIF ICATIONS ACT  
(ACT NO. 5 OF 2008),  AS AMENDED THROUGH LEGAL METROLOGY ACT  
(ACT NO. 9 OF 2014)  
COMPULSORY SPECIFICATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND FUNCTIONAL 
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF GENERAL SERVICE LAMPS (GSLs) -VC9109
I, Ebrahim Patel, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, hereby under 
Section 13(1) of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act (Act 5 of 
2008), withdraw the comp ulsory specification for single -capped fluorescent lamps (VC 
9091) and the compulsory specification for incandescent lamps (VC 8043), and 
replace them with the compulsory specification for energy efficiency and functional 
performance requirement sof general services lamps as se t out in the attached 
schedule. These requirements should be read together with those of the compulsory 
specification for safety requirements of general service lamps (VC 91 10).The
compulsory specification for energy effici ency and functional performance 
requirement sof general services lamps shall be effective as set out in section 9 of the 
schedule.
EBRAHIM PATEL  
MINISTER OF TRADE, I NDUSTRY AND COMPETIT ION 
DATE: 23 MAY 2023 
This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za4  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
2 SCHEDULE  
COMPULSORY SPECIFICATION FOR  ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND FUNCTIONAL 
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF GENERAL SERVICE LAMPS  (GSL s) - (VC 9109) 
 
1 SCOPE   
 
1.1 Inclusions  
This compulsory specification covers the energy efficiency and functional performance for 
general lighting directional and non-directional lamps of all shapes and finishes; using 
incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, light emitting diode (LED), and other light source 
technologies  (not including high -intensity discharge lamps); that also satisfies a) to d):   
 
a) Capable of operating on a voltage up to 300V of either direct current or alternating 
current with a frequency of 50Hz ;  
b) Emitting light with a total luminous flux of 60 to 3300 lumens;  
c) Light emission with the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) that are within the range  (shown 
in Figure 1): 
(i) 0.250 < x < 0. 570 and  
(ii) - 2.3172 x2 + 2.3653 x - 0.2400 < y < - 2.3172 x2 + 2.3653 x - 0.1400;  
 
Figure 1: GSL chromaticity limits  
 
d) a lamp base which can be connected to one of the following general service lamp 
sockets:  
(i) Screw base types:  E11, E12, E14, E17, E26 or E27, or  
(ii) Bayonet base types: B15d , BA15d, B22, B22d  or BC22 , or 
(iii) Pin b ase types: G4, GU4, G5.3, GU5.3, GX5.3, GY6.35, G9, GU10 ,GZ10 
or GX53 base, or  
(iv) R7s, or 
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3 (v) Alternative base types which can be connected to the above lamp base 
sockets by using commercially available passive adaptors.  
1.2 Exclusions  
The following lamps are excluded  from the energy efficiency and functional performance 
requirements of this compulsory specification:  
a) the primary purpose of the light is not general illumination and the product 
packaging is prominently marked as such, e.g. but not limited to:  
aa) emission of light as an agent in chemical or biological processes  (other than 
human visual perception) , e.g. but not limited to: 
(i) polymerization,  
(ii) ultraviolet light used for curing/drying/hardening,  
(iii) photodynamic therapy,  
(iv)     horticulture,  
(v)     food service,  
(vi)     medical applications,  
(vii)     aquarium,  
(viii)      animal care, and  
(ix)      anti-insect products;  
b) image capture and image projection, e.g. but not limited to:  
(i) camera flashlights,  
(ii) photocopiers, and  
(iii) video projectors;  
c) signalling, e.g. but not limited to:  
(i) railway -signalling  
(ii) marine -signalling, 
(iii) road-signalling and traffic control, and  
(iv) air traffic -signalling and airfield lamps ; 
d) the spectral distribution of the light is adjusted to the specific needs of particular 
technical equipment, in addition to making the scene or object visible for humans, 
e.g. but not limited to:  
(i) studio lighting,  
(ii) performance special effects lighting,  and 
(iii) theatre lighting;  
e) the scene or object lit requires special protection from the negative effects of the 
light source, e.g. but not limited to:  
(i) lighting with dedicated filtering for photosensitive patients,  and 
(ii) lighting with dedicated filtering for photosensitive museum exhibits;  
f) lighting is required only for emergency situ ations, e.g. but not limited to emergency 
lighting luminaires;  This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za6  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
4 g) requiring ambient temperatures above 120°C and this exemption only applies to 
incandescent and halogen lamps with the following characteristics:  
(i)  an overall length of maximum 60  mm,  
(ii)  a rated power of maximum 25  W,  
(iii)  a base type of E14 or B15, and  
(iv)  a rate d luminous flux of maximum 225 lm. 
 
h) reference lamps used for national measurement standard s;  
i) light sources for battery operated products, including but not limited to mobile 
phones, torches, camping lights, toys, armbands, solar powered garden lamps, 
bicycle lights and other non -motorized vehicle lights, etc .; and  
j) halogen light sources with R7s cap  and luminous flux ≤ 2,700 lumens or > 
12,000  lumens.  
 
2 DEFINITIONS  
 
2.1 For the purposes of this document,  the definitions in standards referred in Section  4 of 
this compulsory specification,  shall apply . 
 
2.2 In addition, the following definitions shall apply:  
 
2.2.1  applicant : the manufacturer or importer seeking approval for GSL (s). The 
applicant shall be an existing legal entity within the Republic of South Africa.  
 
2.2.2  approval : confirmation by the NRCS that a particular GSL(s) satisfies the 
requirements of this compulsory specification.  
 
2.2.3  arithmetical mean : the average of a set of numerical values, calculated by 
adding them together and dividing by the number of terms in  the set.  
 
2.2.4  beam angle  of a directional lamp: the angle between two imaginary lines in a 
plane through the optical beam axis, such that these lines pass through the 
centre of the front face of the light source and through points at which the 
luminous intensity is 50 % of the ce ntre beam intensity, where the centre beam 
intensity is the value of luminous intensity measured on the optical beam axis.  
Note 1. For lamps that have different beam angles in different planes, the largest 
beam angle shall be considered; Note 2. For lamps  with user -controllable beam 
angle, the beam angle corresponding to the ‘reference control setting’ shall be 
considered.  
 
2.2.5  chromaticity:  the property of a colour stimulus defined by its chromaticity 
coordinates (x and y).  
 
2.2.6  colour rendering index  (CRI):  the measure of the degree to which the 
psychophysical colour of an object illuminated by the test illuminant conforms to 
that of the same object illuminated by the reference illuminant, suitable allowance 
having been made for the state of chromatic adapta tion. CRI is a measure of the 
ability of a light source to accurately reveal the colours of various objects in 
comparison with an incandescent source of the same colour temperature.  
 
2.2.7  colour -tuneable lamp (CTL):  a connected lamp (CL) using LED or OLED 
techn ology, that can be set to emit light with a large variation of colours outside This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 24 MEi 2023  No. 48652  7
5 the range defined in the scope, but can also be set to emit white light inside the 
colour range defined in the scope, and with which the lamp is in the scope of this 
Regulation.  The term does not include tuneable -white lamps that can only be set 
to emit white light, with different colour temperatures, within the range defined in 
the scope.  The term also does not include dim -to-warm lamps, that shift their 
white light output to lo wer colour temperature when dimmed, simulating the 
behaviour of incandescent light sources.  
 
2.2.8  connected lamp  (CL):  a general service lamp including data -connection parts 
that are physically integrated with the light emitting parts in a single inseparable 
housing, and where the data -connection parts cannot be disconnected, 
switched -off or their power consumption minimised.  
 
2.2.9  correlated colour temperature  (CCT):  the temperature of the Planckian 
radiator whose perceived colour most closely resembles that of a gi ven stimulus 
at the same brightness and under specified viewing conditions. Units: K. Lamps 
with a high CCT, e.g. 6500K, produce blueish -white light, whereas those with a 
low CCT of 2700K produce light that is more yellowish -white.  
 
2.2.10  data-connection parts:  parts that perform one of the following functions:  
a) reception or transmission of wired or wireless data signals and the     processing 
thereof (either used to control the light e mission function or otherwise),  
b) sensing and processing of the sensed signals (either used to control the light 
emission function or otherwise),  
c) actuation by audio control (including  voice control),  
d) a combination of these.  
 
2.2.11  declaration report:  a report that is issued by an accredited conformity 
assessment body, indicating the equiva lence of standards.  
 
2.2.12  directional lamp (DL):  a lamp which has a beam angle (as defined in IEC 
61341:1994 and measured in accordance with CIE S025:2015) of no more than 
90 degrees in at least one plane and that being in at least one plane for an 
asymmetric b eam lamp. These lamps are also known as reflector lamps and are 
commonly installed in recessed cans or track lighting.  
 
2.2.13  displacement factor : (also called fundamental power factor) quantifies the 
displacement (phase -shift) between the fundamental current an d voltage 
waveforms by calculating the cosine of the phase -shift angle. Displacement 
factor is a more detailed measure to quantify the displacement of the current and 
its effect on the power supply network .  
 
2.2.14  endurance test:  (also called a supply switching test) is the switching on and off 
of a lamp  to simulate how the product will perform over its lifetime. The test is 
carried out to stress the lamp  over a period of time to help determine the failure 
rates and luminous flux maintenance of that product.  
 
2.2.15  family:  a group of lamps, luminaires, light modules or drivers with the same 
brand name that has essentially identical: (1) physical characteristics and 
construction, (2) system design and performance, and (3) quality and safe ty This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za8  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
6 characteristics. Any variation within a family of models shall have little or no effect 
on the efficacy and performance of those models.  
 
2.2.16  flicker:  the perception of visual unsteadiness induced by a light stimulus the 
luminance or spectral distribution of which fluctuates with time, for a static 
observer in a static environment. The fluctuations can be periodic and non -
periodic and may be induced by the light source itself, the power source or other 
influencing factors.  
 
2.2.17  fluorescence  or fluorescent light source  (FL):  the phenomenon or a light 
source using an electric gas discharge of the low -pressure mercury type in which 
most of the light is emitted by one or more layers of phosphors excited by the 
ultraviolet radiation from the discharge. Fluorescent light sources m ay have one 
('single -capped') or two ('double -capped') connections (‘caps’) to their electricity 
supply. For the purposes of this Regulation, magnetic induction light sources are 
also considered as fluorescent light sources.  
 
2.2.18  gas discharge:  a phenomenon wh ere light is produced, directly or indirectly, by 
an electric discharge through a gas, plasma, metal vapour or mixture of gases 
and vapours.  
 
2.2.19  general illumination purposes:  for the purposes of this compulsory 
specification, means any light source that meet s the requirements of Section  1.1 
and is not exempted under Section  1.2.  
 
2.2.20  general service lamp  (GSL) : includes a light source that meets the 
requirements of Section 1.1 but is not one of the exclusions in Section 1.2.  
 
2.2.21  halogen lamp : gas-filled lamp containing halogens or halogen compounds, the 
filament being of tungsten. 
 
2.2.22  high -intensity discharge : ‘high intensity discharge’ (HID) means an electric gas 
discharge in which the light -producing arc is stabilised by wall temperature and 
the arc chamber has  a bulb wall loading in excess of 3 Watts per square 
centimetre. ‘Gas discharge’ means a phenomenon where light is produced, 
directly or indirectly, by an electric discharge through a gas, plasma, metal 
vapour or mixture of gases and vapours. For the purpo se of this Regulation, HID 
light sources are limited to metal halide, high -pressure sodium and mercury 
vapour types.  
 
2.2.23  illumination:  the application of light to a scene, objects or their surroundings so 
that they may be seen. 
 
2.2.24  incandescence : emission of optical radiation by the process of thermal 
radiation.  In light sources incandescence is typically produced by the passage of 
an electric current through a threadlike resistive conductor (‘filament’) which 
creates heat. 
 
2.2.25  lamp:  a light source made in order to produce an optical radiation, usually visible. 
Note: The term "lamps" is often referred to as a globe, bulb or light bulb.  
 
2.2.26  lamp cap : that part of a lamp which provides connection to the electrical supply 
by means of a lampholder or lamp connector and, in most cases, also serves to 
retain the lamp in the lampholder.  
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7 Note 1:   The term base is also used in both the United Kingdom and th e US to 
denote an integral part of a lamp envelope which has been so shaped that it 
fulfils the function of a cap. It may engage either a holder or a connector, 
depending on other design features of the lamp - and holder system.  
 
Note 2:  The cap of a lamp and its corresponding holder are generally identified 
by one or more letters followed by a number which indicates approximately the 
principal dimension (generally the diameter) of the cap in millimeters . 
 
2.2.27  life (of a lamp) : the total time for which a lamp h as been operated before it 
becomes useless or is considered to be so according to specified criteria. Note: 
Lamp life is usually expressed in hours.  
  
2.2.28  light emitting diode  (LED) : a technology in which light is produced from a solid-
state device embodying a  p-n junction of inorganic material or organic material. 
This latter case is also known as ‘organic light emitting diode’ (OLED). In both 
cases the junction emits optical radiation when excited by an electric current.  
 
2.2.29  lumen  (lm): an SI unit of luminous flux which is emitted in unit solid angle 
(steradian) by a uniform point source having a luminous intensity of 1 candela. It 
indicates the amount of light the lamp provides.  
 
2.2.30  luminaire : an apparatus which distributes, filters or tr ansforms the light 
transmitted from one or more lamps and which includes, except the lamps 
themselves, all the parts necessary for fixing and protecting the lamps and, 
where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them 
to the electric supply.  
 
2.2.31  luminous efficacy (η v or Φ v): expressed in lm/W, quotient of the luminous flux 
emitted by the electric power consumed by the light source.  It is an expression 
of how energy efficient a lamp (or bulb) is  at producing visible light . 
 
2.2.32  luminous flux or flux (Φ ): expressed in lumen (lm), means the quantity derived 
from radiant flux (radiant power) by evaluating the electromagnetic radiation in 
accordance with the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. If not specified 
differently, it refe rs to the rated, maximum initial luminous flux of a light source, 
after a short operating period, and to the total flux emitted in a solid angle of 4π 
steradians (corresponding to a 360˚ sphere).  
 
2.2.33  model : refers to all the units in a product line from the s ame manufacturer, sold 
under the same brand name, and which are identical except for a serial number 
or other identifying mark. Any variation within a product line of models shall have 
no effect on the efficacy and performance of those models and shall onl y be due 
to natural manufacturing variation observed within otherwise identical units.  
 
2.2.34  non- directional lamp (NDL):  a general service lamp that is not a directional 
lamp.  
 
2.2.35  NRCS:  National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications as established by the 
National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No. 5 of 2008).  
 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za10  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
8 2.2.36  passive adaptor:  (also called lampholder adaptor) a connecting device capable 
of being inserted into a lampholder and has outlet facilities for connection to a 
flexible cord or integral flexible cord or fitted with lampholders. The adaptor may 
incorporate electronic circuits to control the output.  
 
2.2.37  proof of approval:  a Letter of Authority (LoA) issued by the NRCS, which 
confirms that a particular GSL(s) satisfies the requirements of this compulsory 
specification . 
 
2.2.38  rated life, L70B50:  for LED and OLED light sources means the time in hours 
between the start of their use  and the moment when for 50% of a population of 
light sources the light output has gradually degraded to a value below 70% of the 
initial luminous flux. This is also ref erred to as the L70B50 lifetime.  
 
2.2.39  rated luminous flux  (of a model of lamp) : the value of the initial luminous flux of 
a given model of lamp declared by the manufacturer or the responsible vendor, 
the lamp being operated under specified conditions. Unit: lm. Note  1: The initial 
luminous flux may be the luminous flux of a lamp after  a short ageing period, as 
specified in the relevant lamp standard. Note  2: The rated luminous flux is 
sometimes marked on the lamp. (IEC) . 
 
2.2.40  rated power  (of a model of lamp) : the value of the consumed electrical power by 
a given model of lamp declared by the manufacturer or the responsible vendor, 
the lamp being operated under specified conditions. Unit: W. Note: The rated 
power is usually marked on the lamp. (IEC) . 
 
2.2.41  rated voltage  or rated voltage range : the nominal voltage/range of voltage at 
which a piec e of electrical equipment is designed to operate.  
 
2.2.42  reference control setting : a control setting or combination of control settings 
that is used to verify compliance of a light source with this regulation . These 
settings are relevant for light sources that allow the end -user to control, manually 
or automatically, directly or remotely, the luminous intensity, colour, colour 
temperature, spectrum, and/or beam angle of the emitted light.  
 
The reference control settings shall be those predefined by the manufacturer as 
factory default values, and encountered by the user at first installation (out -of-
the-box values). If the installation procedure foresees an automatic software 
update during fi rst installation, or if the user has the option to perform such an 
update, the resulting change in settings (if any) shall be taken into account.  
 
The light source manufacturer shall define the reference control settings such 
that: 
a) The light source is in scope of this compulsory specification according to 1.1 
and none of the conditions for exemption of 1.2 applies (if this is not possible, 
the light source is out -of-scope or exempted);  
b) The adjustable/selectable beam angle is the narrowest available;  
c) The po wer consumption of lighting control parts and non -lighting parts is 
minimal (if these parts cannot be disconnected or switched -off); This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 24 MEi 2023  No. 48652  11
9 d) The full- load condition is obtained (maximum initial luminous flux given the 
other chosen settings);  and 
e) When the end -user opts to reset factory defaults, the reference control 
settings are obtained.  
 
2.2.43  short term flicker indicator  (PstLM ): a measure of flicker evaluated over a 
duration  of at least 180 seconds in accordance with  IEC 61547 -1. 
 
2.2.44  stroboscopic effect : a change in motion perception induced by a light stimulus 
the luminance or spectral distribution of which fluctuates with time, for a static 
observer in a non -static environment.  
 
2.2.45  stroboscopic effect visibility measure (SVM):  stroboscopic effect evaluated  
over a specified time interval of a relatively short duration. The duration is at 
least 1 second, in accordance with CIE TN 006 and IEC TR  63158. 
 
2.2.46  valid test report:  a copy of an original test report.  
 
3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS  
 
3.1 The applicant shall ensure that each model of GSL(s) has been approved and 
successfully registered by the NRCS before offering it for sale, or import, or supply in 
accordance with the requir ements of Annex A.  
 
3.2 The applicant shall inform the NRCS of any cha nge in design or materials affecting any 
mandatory requirement in terms of this compulsory specification.  In the event of such 
change (s) the NRCS may, at its discretion, demand that the applicant submit s a new 
application for approval.  
 
3.3 The applicant shall, on request, provide the NRCS, within 5 working days, with 
satisfactory proof  of compliance in respect of any model of GSL(s) included in the scope 
of this compulsory specification.   
 
3.4 Failure to provide such proof shall constitute reasonable grounds for suspicion of non -
compliance with the requirements of this compulsory specification.  
 
3.5 All GSL( s) shall comply with the requirements of this compulsory specification  with 
respect to energy efficiency, functional performance and product information as set out  
in Secti on 4 when tested in accordance with the test standards in Section  5.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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10 4  EFFICIENCY REQUIREM ENTS  
 
4.1 Luminous  Efficacy Requirement   
 
a) GSLs shall comply with the luminous efficacy requirement s in Table 1 or Table 2, as 
relevant : 
 
Table 1: Minimum luminous efficacy , phase 1  
Product Type  Phase 1  Minimum luminous efficacy (lm/W)  
General Service La mp 90 
 
 
Table 2: Minimum luminous efficacy , phase 2  
Product Type  Phase 2  Minimum luminous efficacy (lm/W)  
General Service Lamp  105 
 
b) Depending on the lamp characteristics, the minimum luminous efficacy values may be 
decreased by the following correction factors (C): 
 
Table 3: Correction factors  
Lamp Characteristics  C 
Luminous flux Φ (lm) below 400 lm -10% 
Directional lamps  -15% 
Colour -tuneable lamps (CTL)  -10%  
Connected LED Lamps – rated luminous flux Φ (lm) :  
60 lm ≤ Φ ≤ 300 lm  -15% 
300 lm < Φ ≤ 650 lm  -10% 
650 lm < Φ ≤ 1200 lm  -7.5%  
1200 lm < Φ ≤ 2000 lm  -5.0% 
2000 lm < Φ ≤ 3300 lm  -2.5%  
 
 
c) With respect the correction factors in Table 3, the following should be noted : 
 
(i) Where applicable, the correction factors are additive  up to a maximum of 25%.  
 
(ii) For colour -tuneable lamps (defined in Section 2) that are also connected lamps, the 
correction factors are additive.  
 
(iii) Lamps that allow the end -user to adapt the spectrum and/or the beam angle of the 
emitted light, thus changing the values for luminous flux, CRI -Ra and/or colour 
temperature (Tc), and/or changing their directional lamp or non -directional lamp status, 
shall be evaluated using the reference control settings.  
 
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11 4.2 Displacement Factor (Cos 1) 
 
All GS Ls shall have a displacement factor as stipulated in  Table 4 : 
Table 4: Displacement factor  
Rated Input Power  
in Watts (W) for the lamp  Displacement  
Factor  
P ≤ 2W  Not applicable  
2W < P ≤ 5W  ≥ 0.4  
5W < P ≤ 10W  ≥ 0.7  
P > 10W  ≥ 0.9  
 
4.2.1  Standby Power for connect ed lamps  
a) Standby power for lamps shall not exceed 0.5 W.  
 
b) Networked s tandby power for Connected LED L amps shall not exceed 0.5 W.  
 
c) The allowable values for Standby power and Networked standby power shall not be 
added together.  
 
 
4.3 Functional Performance Requirements  
 
All GSL shall comply with the functional requirements in Table 5: 
Table 5: Functional requirements  
Metric  Mandatory Requirements   
Colour Rendering Index (CRI)  Ra  80  
Lumen maintenance factor  The lumen maintenance factor X LMF% after endurance 
testing according to Annex  B shall be not less than  
XLMF,MIN %, calculated as follows:  
 
 
where L 70 is the declared L 70B50 lifetime (in hours)  
Upper limit for X LMF,MIN %: the calculated required lumen 
maintenance of the sample shall not exceed 96.0%  (i.e., 
XLMF,MIN % ≤ 96.0%) .  
Where no lifetime is declared, 15,000 hours will be 
assumed.  
Survival factor  No less than 90% of sample units  should be operational 
following endurance testing according to  Annex B.   
This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za14  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
12 Metric  Mandatory Requirements   
EMC emissions  Compliance with CISPR15 or SANS 215  
EMC immunity  Compliance with SANS 61547 or IEC 61547  
Harmonics  Compliance with  SANS 61000- 3-2 or IEC 61000 -3-2 
Short term flicker indicator (P stLM) ≤ 1.01 at full load and a sinusoidal input voltage  (i.e. intrinsic 
performance) . 
Note: compliance with  SANS  61547- 1 or IEC 61547 -1 
Stroboscopic effect visibility 
measure (SVM)  ≤ 0.4 at full load and a sinusoidal input voltage  (i.e. intrinsic 
performance) . 
Note: compliance with SANS/IEC TR 63158  
Colour consistency  Variation of x,y chromaticity coordinates within a five-step 
Standard Deviation of Colour Matching  (SDCM) or less.  
 
4.4 Product Information Requirements  
 
4.4.1  Lamp information  
The following information shall be clearly and indelibly printed on the product:  
a) Rated power in Watts (mandatory) . 
b) Rated operating voltage (mandatory) . 
c) Trade name or brand name (mandatory) . 
d) Rated initial luminous flux in lumens (mandatory) . 
e) Rated correlated colour temperature (CCT) in Kelvin (K) (mandatory ). 
f) Beam angle ( mandatory for directional lamps) .  
 
4.4.2  Packaging information  
The following information shall be clearly and prominently indicated on the pac kaging and 
in all other forms of product information:  
 
a) Rated power in Watts  (mandatory) . 
 
b) Rated operating voltage (mandatory) . 
 
c) Rated initial luminous flux in lumens  (mandatory) . 
 
d) Rated efficacy in lumens per Watt (lm/W)  (mandatory) . 
 
e) Rated lifetime in hours  and L 70B50 if longer  (mandatory) . 
 
f) Rated correlated colour temperature (CCT) in Kelvin (K) combined with a sliding scale:  
(mandatory) . 
 
  
                                                                                       
1 Where 1 means 50% of the population will be affected by the flicker.  
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13 g) Beam angle (mandatory for directional lamps) . 
 
h) Statement on Dimmability . Clearly state whether dimmable or not dimmable. If yes, 
then information on dimmer compatibility, or web link to this information. (mandatory) . 
 
i) For general service lamps which are, according to paragraph 1.2, exempted from the 
requirements of paragraph  3, the intended purpose shall be stated on all forms of 
packaging, product information and advertisement, together with a clear indication in 
large font on  the front of the package that the Lamp is NOT Intended for General 
Illumination Purposes . (mandatory) . 
 
j) Base type  (mandatory) . 
 
k) Efficiency label compliant with the current version of the Department of Mineral 
Resources and Energy guideline for energy efficiency label compliance in South Africa:  
A Guide for Energy Efficiency Labelling  (mandatory) . 
 
l) Incandescent equivalency claim (optional) . 
 
m) Manufacturers are not required to provide an incandescent equivalency claim (i.e. 
"This lamp is as bright as a 60W incandescent" or "10W = 60W" ). However, if they do, 
then the equivalency shall be based on the table below which depicts the minimum 
initial luminous flux that is required to claim a specific incandescent lamp wattage 
equivalency : 
Table 6: Incandescent wattage equivalencies for LED lamps  
Incandescent Wattage 
Equivalency [W]  Minimum Initial Luminous Flux [lm]  
Non-directional Lamps  
15 150 
25 250 
40 500 
60 800 
75 1000  
100 1500  
150 2500  
200 3500  
Note: The listed incandescent wattage equivalencies may be interpolated (e.g. 50 Watts) and 
extrapolated (e.g. 7 Watts) using the values in the given table.  
 
l) Voltage surge and dip immunity  claim (optional) . 
 
Manufacturers are not required to provide a voltage surge and dip immunity claim (e.g. 
"Withstands Power Surge" , “Power Surge Protected” ). However, if they do, then the claim shall 
meet the EMC  immunity requirements for equipment for general lighting purpo ses as set out 
in IEC 61547  for conditions in South Africa . 
 
 
 
 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za16  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
14 5 REFERENCED TEST STAN DARDS  AND COMPLIANCE CERTIFICA TION  
 
The metrics, referenced standards  and compliance certification  criteria are set out in this 
Section , with consideration of:  
a) The latest edition of the referenced standards (including any amendments) applies.  
 
b) The same sample of lamps may be used for certain metrics as set out in the test sequence 
in Annex  B 
 
c) The required levels, sample sizes and compliance criteria for compliance certifica tion by 
suppliers shall be the same as requirements in the referenced standards . 
 
 
Table 7: Relevant test standards  and compliance certification  
Phenomena  Lamp Type  Standard  Compliance 
Certification  
(for suppliers)  Surveillance Testing  
(for government)  
Luminous Efficacy 
[lm/W]  All Calculated See below 
for (measured 
luminous flux / 
measured power)  Sample of 10 units. 
The arithmetical 
mean of the 
calculated luminous 
efficacy of the 10 
units shall not be 
less than required 
level.  Sample of 10 units.  The 
arithmetical mean of the 
calculated luminous 
efficacy of the 10 units 
shall not be less than 
required level.  
Luminous flux in 
[lm] Incandescent 
/ Halogen  IEC / SANS 60064  
CIE 84  / IEC 60357  Sample of 10 units. 
The arithmetical 
mean of the 
measured luminous 
flux of the 10 units  
shall not be less 
than 92.5% of the 
rated luminous flux 
and the measured 
luminous flux of 
each individual lamp 
of the sample shall 
not be less than 90% 
of the rated luminous 
flux Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured luminous flux 
of the 10 units shall not 
be less than 90% of the 
rated luminous flux  CFL IEC / SANS 60969  
CIE 84  
LED IEC / SANS  62612  
CIE S025  
Power in [W]  Incandescent 
/ Halogen  IEC / SANS 60064  
CIE 84  Sample of 10 units. 
The arithmetical 
mean of the 
measured power  of Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured power of the 
10 units shall not CFL IEC / SANS 60969  
CIE 84 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 24 MEi 2023  No. 48652  17
15 Phenomena  Lamp Type  Standard  Compliance 
Certification  
(for suppliers)  Surveillance Testing  
(for government)  
LED IEC / SANS 62612  
CIE S025  the 10 units  shall not 
exceed 107.5% of 
the rated power, and 
the measured power 
of each individual 
lamp of the sample 
shall not exceed 
110% of the rated 
powe r. exceed 110% of the 
rated power, and the 
measured power of 
each individual lamp of 
the sample shall not 
exceed 115% of the 
rated power.  
Standby Power  Connected 
LED lamp  IEC 63103  Sample of 10 units. 
The measured 
standby power  of 
each individual lamp 
of the 10 units  shall 
not exceed the 
required level by 
more than 100 mW.  Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured standby 
power of the 10 units 
shall not exceed the 
required level by more 
than 100 mW.  
Displacement 
Factor  LED IEC / SANS 62612  Sample of 10 units. 
The measured 
displacement factor 
of each individual 
lamp of the sample 
shall not be less 
than the required 
level minus 0.05.  Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured displacement 
factor of the 10 units 
shall not be less than 
the required level minus 
0.05.  
Colour Rendering  
Index (CRI)  LED IEC / SANS 62612  
CIE S 025  
CIE 13.3  Sample of 10 units. 
The measured CRI 
of each individual 
lamp of the sample  
shall not be less 
than the required 
CRI-Ra level minus 3  Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured CRI of the 10 
units shall not be less 
than the required CRI -
Ra level minus 3  
Correlated colour 
temperature 
(CCT)  LED IEC / SANS 62612  
CIE S025  
CIE S015  Sample of 10 units. 
For each individual 
lamp of the sample, 
the measured CCT 
shall conform to the 
industry standard 
tolerances contained 
in the IEC standards 
used for testing.  Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured CCT shall 
conform to the industry 
standard tolerances 
contained in the 
standards used for 
testing.  
Luminous flux 
maintenance 
factor  LED See Annex B  The determined 
XLMF% of the sample 
following the test in 
Annex  B shall not be 
less than X LMF, MIN %.2 The determined X LMF% 
of the sample following 
the test in Annex B shall 
not be less than X LMF, 
MIN%. 
                                                                                       
2 There is no tolerance associated with this metric as it is a fixed requirement and it is up to the 
manufacturer to declare an L70B50 value to meet it.  This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za18  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
16 Phenomena  Lamp Type  Standard  Compliance 
Certification  
(for suppliers)  Surveillance Testing  
(for government)  
Survival Factor  LED See Annex B  Sample of 10 units.  
At least 9 light units 
of the test sample 
must be operational 
after completing the 
endurance test in 
Annex B.  Sample of 10 units.  At 
least 9 light sources of 
the test sample must be 
operational after 
completing the 
endurance test in Annex 
B. 
Short -term Flicker 
indicator (PstLM)  LED IEC / SANS TR 
61547- 1  Sample of 10 units. 
For each individual 
lamp of the sample, 
the measured 
intrinsic3 PstLM of the 
10 units shall not be 
more than the 
required level plus 
5%. Sample of 10 units. For 
each individual lamp of 
the sample, the 
measured intrinsic PstLM 
of the 10 units shall not 
be more than the 
required level plus 5%.  
Stroboscopic 
effect Visibility 
Measure (SVM)  LED IEC / SANS TR 
63158  Sample of 10 units. 
For each individual 
lamp of the sample, 
the measured 
intrinsic SVM of the 
10 units shall not be 
more than the 
required level plus 
5%. Sample of 10 units. The 
arithmetical mean of the 
measured intrinsic SVM 
of the 10 units shall not 
be m ore than the 
required level plus 5%.  
EMC emissions  All CISPR15 or SANS 
215   
EMC immunity 
(including voltage 
surge and dip)  All SANS 61547 or IEC 
61547    
Harmonics  All IEC 61000 -3-2   
 
6 EQUIVALENCE OF STAND ARDS  
 
6.1 Standards issued by different stan dardization bodies such as ISO and EN, will only be 
accepted if it is proven, in the form of a declaration report from an accredited conformity 
assessment body, that they are  technically equivalent to the relevant South African 
National Standard  or other relevant standard as provided in Section  5.  
 
6.2 The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining such a declaration report. Proof of 
conformity with such a standard shall be accepted as conformity with the corresponding 
South African National Standard  or othe r relevant standard as provided in Section  5. 
 
                                                                                       
3 Intrinsic performance is where test is conducted with a stable mains voltage without fluctuations  This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 24 MEi 2023  No. 48652  19
17  
7 CONFORMITY TO NEW EDITIONS OF REFERENCED STANDARDS  
 
7.1 For the purposes of this compulsory specification, a new edition of a referenced standard 
shall become effective twelve (12)  months from the date of publication as a South 
African National Standard.  
 
7.2 New products, or products resubmitted for approval because of a change in design or 
materials, shall in all cases be evaluated against the requirements of the latest edition 
of any  referenced standard.   
 
7.3 When a new edition of a referenced standard is published, products originally approved 
in accordance with the previous edition of that standard may have their approval 
extended for up to five  (5) years from the effective date of the  new standard, subject to 
the requirements of Annex A, unless declared otherwise by the Minister.  
 
8 EVIDENCE OF CONFORMI TY TO REQUIREMENTS  
 
A valid test report issued by an appropriately accredited and internationally recognized body 
being a member of an IAF/ILAC/IECEE mutual recognition scheme in accordance with the 
NRCS’s conformity assessment policy, shall be submitted to the NRCS as proof o f conformity 
with the  efficiency  requirements of this compulsory specification.  
9 IMPLEMENTATION PHASE S 
 
The compulsory specification shall be effective in accordance with the following phases:  
a) Phase 1:  
 
Twelve (12) months after the publication of the fi nal notice for the duration of two  (2) years.  
b) Phase 2:  
 
Thirty -six (36) months after the publication of the final notice.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za20  No. 48652  GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 MA y 2023
18 ANNEX A - APPROVAL OF  GENERAL SERVICE LAMP (GSL)  
(Normative)  
 
A1. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL  
 
An application for approval of each model of GSL (or family of GSLs) intended for sale shall 
include  A.1.1 to A.1.5  inclusive : 
 
A1.1  Details of the model(s) of GSL(s) for which approval is sought and the standard(s) 
to which it is claimed to conform;  
 
A1.2  Details of the manufacturing plant(s) in which the GSL model is produced;  
 
A1.3  Identification markings and other informati on appearing on the product;  
 
A1.4  Any reasonable additional information in order to clarify the above th at may be 
requested by the NRCS;  
 
A1.5  For new applications:  
a) Proof of conformity as described in Section  8 of this compulsory specification, 
with all the energy efficiency and functional performance  requirements of this 
compulsory specification set out in Section  4, issued less than 36 months before 
the date of submission to the NRCS;  and 
 
b) Declaration that all submitted information relates to the model of GSL detailed in 
this application for energy efficiency and functional performance  approval.  
 
A1.6 
 For renewal applications  
Three months prior to expiry of the Letter of Authority (LOA), an application for a 
new LOA may be granted, provided that a declaration that all the current conditions 
of the product energy efficiency and functional performance  certification are met for 
the model of GSL detailed in this application for energy efficiency and functional 
performance  approval.    
 
A2  APPROVAL  
 
A2.1  The NRCS shall assess the evidence of conformity supplied by the applicant and 
shall decide to grant approval  or not, at its sole discretion.  
 
A2.2  The NRCS shall assign a unique number to each approval.  
 
A2.3  The NRCS shall issue a Letter of Authority (LOA) certificate for each successful 
application, to the applicant, when all the requirements have been met.  
 
A2.4  The approval granted with respect to each model of GSL that is pursuant to this 
compulsory specification may be withdrawn at any time, after the manufacturer has 
been notified in writing, if the requirements have not been met or maintained.  
  
 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 24 MEi 2023  No. 48652  21
19  
ANNEX  B – ENDURANCE TEST METHOD AND SEQUENCE  
Light sources shall undergo endurance testing to verify their luminous flux maintenance factor 
and survival factor. This endurance testing consists of the test method outlined below for LED 
and OLED light sources:  
 
B1 AMBIENT CONDITIONS AND TEST  SETUP  
 
B1.1  The switching  cycles  are to be conducted  in a room  with an ambient temperature  
of 25°C  ±10°C and an average  air velocity  of less than 0.2 m/s.  
 
B1.2  The switching  cycles  on the sample  shall be conducted  in free air in a vertical base -
up position.  However,  if a supplier  has declared the light source  is suitable  for use 
in a specific  orientation  only,  then the sample  shall be mounted in that orientation. 
 
B1.3  The applied voltage during the switching cycles shall have a tolerance within 2%. 
The total harmonic content of the supply voltage shall not exceed  3%. Standards 
provide guidance on the supply voltage source.  
 
 
B2 PROVISIONAL ENDURANCE TEST METHOD  
 
B2.1  Initial flux measurement: measure the luminous flux of the light source prior to 
starting the endurance t est switching cycle.  
 
B2.2  Switching cycles: operate the light source for 1200 cycles of repeated, continuous 
switching cycles without interruption. One complete switching cycle consists of 150 
minutes of the light source switched ON at full power followed by 30 minutes of the 
light source switched OFF. The hours of operation recorded (i.e., 3000 hours) 
include only the periods of the switching cycle when the light source was switched 
ON, i.e. th e total test time is 3600 hours.  
 
B3.3  Final flux measurement: at the end of the 1200 switching cycles, note if any lamps 
have failed (see ‘Survival Factor’ requirements in Section 4.3 Table 5) and measure 
the luminous flux of the lig ht sources tha t have not failed.  
 
B4.4  For each of the units in the sample which have not failed, divide the measured final 
flux by the measured initial flux. The arithmetical mean of the resulting values of all 
the units that did not fail provides the determined value  for the luminous flux 
maintenance factor X LMF%. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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