Transportation and Packaging
Driving Safe, Efficient and Responsible Transport of Chemicals Across the Chemical Supply Chain
Sustainability has become a guiding principle for the chemical industry, making it possible to harmonise economic growth with environmental responsibility.
To uphold and promote best practices, CAIA actively supports voluntary initiatives and works closely with Government departments to enhance safety standards across the supply chain. A cornerstone of CAIA’s commitment to safety is the SQAS-AFRICA Management System, a key part of the Responsible Care® Initiative. This system helps identify areas for improvement and strengthens safety standards across logistics services, including transport, tank cleaning, warehousing and spill response.
Regulatory Framework
In South Africa, the Department of Transport plays a vital role in aligning national legislation with international as well as SADC standards. It ensures compliance with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) through inspections – both at operator premises and on the roads.
South Africa’s dangerous goods regulations are detailed in Chapter VIII of the NRTA (Act 93 of 1996, with amendments) and reinforced by key South African National Standards (SANS), including:
- SANS 10228 (Classification of dangerous goods)
- SANS 10229 (Packaging requirements)
- SANS 1518 (Transportation of dangerous goods)
- SANS 10231 (Transport emergency response plans)
- SANS 10232 (Multiple parts covering placarding, documentation, and other essential elements)
By working together, CAIA, its members, and regulatory bodies continue to drive safety, compliance, and efficiency in the transport of hazardous materials—ensuring responsible industry practices that protect people and the environment.