dtic Outlines Industrial Development Strategy and Track-and-Trace Compliance Measures

Posted 26 May 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Trade & Industry

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has outlined its strategic policy direction under the newly adopted Industrial Development Strategy (IDS), which includes plans to implement a track-and-trace regulatory mechanism for specified consumer goods and a review of automotive sector regulations.

During the department’s Budget Vote presentation on 26 May 2026, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, confirmed that Cabinet has formally adopted the Industrial Development Strategy (IDS). The IDS is anchored on three pillars: decarbonisation, diversification, and digitalisation.

Additionally, the dtic is reviewing the Automotive Production Development Plan (APDP2) to stimulate new investments and support local component manufacturers. The department has also set a localisation procurement target of R100 billion for the current financial year, building on the R86.6 billion in locally manufactured goods and services procured during the 2025/26 financial year.

Forthcoming Track-and-Trace Regulations

To combat the illicit economy—estimated to cost South Africa approximately R700 billion (roughly 10% of Gross Domestic Product)—the National Consumer Commission will introduce new regulatory measures. Specifically, the dtic will publish a Track-and-Trace mechanism on goods during the 2026/27 financial year.

The track-and-trace mechanism will primarily target the following sectors:

  • Tobacco products
  • Alcohol
  • Food products
  • Consumer appliances

Over the medium term, the dtic and its entities have been allocated approximately R130.6 billion to advance these industrialisation, economic transformation, and investment initiatives.

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

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; professional awareness of the upcoming track-and-trace framework is advised for advisory purposes.
  • For your business: Firms operating within the logistics, retail, or manufacturing sectors must prepare for integration with the upcoming National Consumer Commission track-and-trace systems.
  • For your clients: Clients in the tobacco, alcohol, food, and consumer appliance sectors must monitor the forthcoming gazettes for the technical specifications of the Track-and-Trace mechanism to ensure supply chain compliance.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-presses-ahead-while-navigating-complex-global-environment

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