DTIC Issues Discussion Document on Track-and-Trace Regulations Under Consumer Protection Act

Posted 09 November 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Trade

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has released a policy discussion document proposing mandatory track-and-trace regulations under the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008.

In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) proposes establishing a mandatory ‘coded labelling regime’ across supply chains. The policy intervention aims to curtail the circulation of illicit and counterfeit products, noting systemic risks to public health and safety, national tax revenue collection, and legitimate local manufacturing capacity.

Submissions received on the discussion document will inform the development of formal draft regulations, which will be submitted for Cabinet approval prior to being published for statutory public consultation.

Key aspects highlighted in the department’s consultation framework include:

  • The introduction of mandatory unique identifiers and coded markings on specified goods;
  • Supply-chain verification mechanisms from production or importation through to retail distribution; and
  • Standardised compliance and reporting obligations to detect and intercept non-compliant or illicit inventory.

The deadline for public and industry submissions on the discussion document is 14 December 2026.

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

  • For yourself: Note the regulatory shift towards mandatory serialization and traceability when advising consumer goods, logistics, and retail sector participants.
  • For your business: Audit your current enterprise resource planning (ERP), inventory auditing, and labelling systems to assess potential software and operational adjustment costs for track-and-trace readiness.
  • For your clients: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors facing counterfeit exposure should review the proposals and lodge written representations by the 14 December 2026 closing date.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/consumer-protection-track-and-trace-regulations-discussion-document-out-for-comment

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