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COVID-19 Health & Safety Requirements for ecommerce

E-shops of whatever size should follow government requirements (https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ccmg.org.za/resource/resmgr/files/covid-19/HSPractitioner_guide_1May202.pdf). These require respecting social distancing (1.5 meters); wearing cloth masks; sanitizing hands when entering and exiting the workplace; wearing gloves when handling good (including packaging and parcels).

Covid-19 Occupational Health and Safety Measures in the Workplaces directions published on 29 April (Notice 479)

Instructions for getting the necessary forms when fulfilling orders via courier/delivery companies in SA.

  1. If your company is registered at CIPC
  2. Go to www.bizportal.gov.za to download a certificate allowing you to sell online. Tick the box “Wholesale, Retail and Spaza Shops (or Supply Chain, if you are delivering);
  3. Then go to www.thedtic.gov.za click on Media Room and on COVID-19, download and complete Form 2 which you will need to show delivery/courier companies for them to carry your goods.

If you are a sole proprietor and not registered at CIPC, go directly to step 3 - visit www.thedtic.gov.za click on Media Room and on COVID-19, download and complete Form 2 which you will need to show delivery/courier companies for them to carry your goods.
We also recommend that you carry an invoice or receipt for the goods marked clearly "sold by ecommerce".

For Exports
Note export restrictions exist, and you will need an ITEC permit. Go to www.thedtic.gov.za for the necessary certificate.

In addition EFSA calls on e-shops to

  • Test staff on arriving with a thermometer.
  • When fulfilling orders sanitize all packaging;
  • Ensure that companies that deliver your products follow the South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA) Protocol
  • If you deliver yourself, ensure that your delivery staff follow the SAEPA Protocol
  • If you use a contact centre ensure that it follows the requirements of theContact Centre Management Group (CCMG)
  • If you run a contact centre ensure that you follow the requirements of the CCMG

Further information is available from: