Automotive Sector Code of Conduct Gazetted Under Consumer Protection Act

Posted 11 November 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Consumer Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Trade, Industry & Competition has gazetted a replacement industry code of conduct and officially accredited the sector’s alternative dispute resolution scheme under the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008.

Published pursuant to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008, the new code will enter into force on 1 December 2026, replacing the previous code of conduct published in October 2014. The replacement code was previously released in draft format for public comment in May 2026.

The covering notice confirms the formal accreditation of the automotive sector’s alternative dispute resolution scheme, which is administered by the automotive industry ombud. The instrument sets mandatory minimum standards of commercial conduct expected of industry participants in their consumer engagements and formalises dispute resolution procedures.

The code applies across the automotive value chain to entities including, but not limited to:

  • Importers, dealers, manufacturers, retailers, franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and intermediaries who import, distribute, produce, retail, or supply vehicles; and
  • Transactions concerning passenger, recreational, agricultural, industrial, or commercial vehicles, specifically including trucks, motorcycles, quad cycles, and internal combustion propelled engines for boats (whether self-propelled or not).

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Compliance and legal practitioners must benchmark existing consumer dispute workflows against the replacement ombud rules to correctly advise on escalation paths.
  • For your business: Dealership, distributor, and automotive retail operations must update sales agreements, after-sales service terms, and internal complaint procedures ahead of the 1 December 2026 effective date.
  • For your clients: Commercial automotive clients face mandatory participation in the accredited dispute resolution scheme and must confirm compliance with the ombud’s oversight and any associated industry levy obligations.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/automotive-industry-replacement-code-of-conduct-gazetted

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.