On the 10 July 2014 GN R549 was published in GG 37818, under NEMA (107 of 1998). This Regulation deals with the ‘phase-out’ the use of PCB materials and PCB-contaminated materials throughout South Africa.
GN R549 requires that:
- No person may use any PCB materials or PCB-contaminated materials after the year 2023;
- No person may have any PCB materials, PCB-contaminated materials or PCB waste in their possession after the year 2026, excluding disposed PCB waste (applicable to licenced waste handlers);
- Any person who possesses “articles”, which include dielectric fluid, dielectric fluid containers, electrical equipment or other equipment or materials that contain PCBs or that came into contact with materials that contain PCBs, must register with the Director-General, within 90 days of the promulgation of these Regulations, i.e. by 10 October 2014, as described in GN R549 Regulation 5 and must follow the requirements as described in Regulation 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
The penalties for non-compliance with these regulations are severe and include fines of up to R10 million and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years for the individual/individuals responsible.
For further information please click on the link below
2016.3 MA PCBs