The Cylinder Verification Scheme was introduced in the first quarter of 2006 following a consultation process between the LPGSA and the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). The purpose is to ensure that LPG cylinders, whether locally manufactured or imported, are:
a) verified for compliance with approved cylinder standards as listed in SANS 10019 or as otherwise accepted by the DEL and,
b) have been manufactured under the supervisory inspection of a recognized independent third-party inspectorate.
Included in the verification process undertaken by the LPGSA is a check to ensure that cylinder valves are certified as compliant with the requirements of SANS 199.
Proven compliance will enable a Cylinder Verification Permit to be issued by the LPGSA without which, the cylinders may not be utilized in South Africa.
To set up a control system that will verify that LPG cylinders for use in the Republic of South Africa, up to and including 120 litres water capacity (48 kg gas capacity), whether manufactured locally or imported, are manufactured to a recognized standard that is listed in SANS 10019, or is listed in the schedule published by the DEL or has been approved by the DEL Cylinder Evaluation Committee but not yet included in the schedule referred to above and which acceptance has been confirmed in writing by the DEL, and are manufactured under the supervision of an Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) accredited by a government endorsed authority for example SANAS (for South African approval ) or a similar overseas based accreditation authority (e.g. a member of IAF), and with DEL approval, are correctly marked in accordance with the specific marking requirements of SANS 10019 and, are linked by batch documentation that has been counter stamped by the AIA.
Where the term “AIA” is used it shall also be deemed to include “Notified Bodies”.
What is the procedure to obtain a Cylinder Verification Permit?
Applicants are required to submit the following when making an application: One sample cylinder of each size.
- Full contact details of the manufacturer.
- Full contact details of the AIA (Authorized Inspection Authority).
- A copy of the cylinder design drawing “stamped” by the manufacturer and the AIA.
- A copy of the cylinder design calculations “stamped” by the manufacturer and the AIA.
- An original copy of the cylinder test certificate issued by the manufacturer and “stamped” by the AIA.
- Where the certificate has been issued by an accredited test house, independent from the AIA, the test certificate must carry the stamp of the AIA.
- A certified copy of the AIA’s accreditation certificate & Schedule showing that the accreditation scope covers the design and manufacturing standard for the cylinder(s) for which the Cylinder Verification Permit is required, in terms of SANS 10019.
- Original or certified copies of the manufacturer’s batch certificates for the cylinders in question. Cylinder valve design drawings stamped by an AIA.
- Proof that the cylinder valve to be used has been manufactured according to SANS 199.(3)
- Declaration of the manufacturer and the importer
Cylinder permits and the subsequent registration is issued by the LP Gas Safety Association in the interests of a safer South Africa. The permits cover the design type specification and allow importers/manufacturers to supply as many of the same design type into the market during validity. Should the design change, or the manufacturer change, then a new permit is required in order to supply “new” cylinders into the market.
Permit validity periods
The permit will have a validity period of five years from the date of issue after which period the permit holder will be required to make a written declaration that the original cylinder design/manufacturer/importer/AIA combination is still in effect and there are no changes to the design type, AIA or manufacturer.
In such cases the permit will be renewed for a further five years, in a continued cycle, requiring declaration every five years through the life of the cylinder.
NB: If a cylinder has been repaired it will require revalidated. This will require re-certification by an AIA and not LPGSA!
Cylinder Verification Applications
Application can be made through the LPGSA Portal. Refer to the LPGSA Cylinder Portal Cylinder Applications Guide and LPGSA Portal Quick Registration Guide to assist you. To assist with some of the supporting documents required above please see the following templates to assist with the documents required:
Importers declaration of conformity
Manufacturers declaration of conformity
Cylinder verification colour selection
