Regulations
All the regulations from the ingredients of what may or may not be used, to labelling are found in CTFA Cosmetic Compendium, which lays out all the guidelines, Codes of Practice and Standards for the industry. The hair and beauty industry in South Africa abides by the requirements which appear in the CTFA Compendium which you can obtain from them.
These requirements have been developed by industry, government, the CTFA and South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and are based on the EU Directive.
Labels on Imported Products
Labels on imported products must be printed in English. The law requires that the information and ingredients must appear in one or more of the official languages.
The SABS publish a book which can be obtained directly from them which includes all the regulations that must be adhered to with regard to labelling. You can order it online or it can be posted to you.
Nicotine-based products
According to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) nicotine falls under restricted goods. It is only allowed to be imported under certain conditions.
Restricted goods can be imported to South Africa under certain conditions i.e. on production of a permit, certificate, or authority from the relevant authority.
For example, medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for one month for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician) can only be imported if there is a permit/licence issued by the Director-General: National Health and Population Development.
Products containing Peroxide
Whether or not restrictions apply depends on how much peroxide the product contains. The best thing to do is to contact the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and explain more about the product to Customs and Excise. They will be able to provide more information based on the amount of peroxide contained in the product.
Solar panels
A permit is required to import solar panels.
Soft drinks
Approval from the Department of Health is necessary. Before you attempt to start an import business that imports any kind of food product, even soft drinks, you need approval by the Department of Health. It monitors the source of food for consumption at ports, airports, on vessels and on aircraft.
Food is detained by Customs and Excise for clearance. Entry into the country can be denied if the food does not comply with the requirements of the Act. (Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No 54 of 1972).
Medical supplies
As a once-off situation, you would probably be allowed to enter the country with medical supplies providing you have the correct paperwork and a commercial invoice.
As it is not clear what type of products you intend to import, you would have to contact the Medicines Control Council of South Africa (MCC) and establish if you are permitted to import these products.
Complementary medicine
Complementary medicine in South Africa includes a wide range of therapies ranging from traditional practices that have only recently been regulated, to widely accepted alternative therapies that are recognised by some medical aids in South Africa.