Botswana has enacted new technical standards for DC electric vehicle supply equipment and related charging systems, requiring compliance with BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 and aligning with international safety norms.
Botswana Sets New Rules for EV Chargers
Importers must certify that equipment meets a new safety standard.
What changed
Compliance with BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 is now mandatory for all covered equipment.
Certification required for market entry in Botswana.
Non-compliant products will be denied market access and cannot be imported.
Who it affects
Importers of DC EV supply equipment must obtain certification to clear customs.
Manufacturers of charging stations and connectors must ensure products meet the BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 standard.
What to do
Ensure products conform to the BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 standard.
Obtain certification for market entry in Botswana.
Provide proof of certification with customs declarations for HS code 850440.
Compliance Requirements for DC Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in Botswana
Botswana has adopted BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 as the mandatory technical standard for DC electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment and related charging systems. This standard aligns with international safety norms and specifies requirements for conductive charging systems, including electrical safety, testing, and system configurations1.
Regulation Analysis
1. Applicability and Scope
- Covered Products: DC EV supply equipment providing energy transfer between the supply network and electric vehicles (EVs) with:
- Rated maximum voltage at side A (supply network) up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC.
- Rated maximum voltage at side B (vehicle) up to 1,500 V DC1.
- Systems Covered:
2. Key Technical Requirements
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 | – Compliance with electrical safety requirements (Clauses 8 and 12), revised based on IEC 62477-1 and IEC 62368-1 hazard-based safety approach1. – Mandatory testing methods (Clause 102) for conformity1. – Requirements for thermal management systems (101.2), bidirectional power transfer (Annex DD), and multi-side B separated equipment (Annex FF)1. | 12 months from publication date (proposed)1. | Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) |
| Related Standards | – IEC 61851-1:2017: General structure and framework1. – IEC 61851-21-1:2017 and IEC 61851-21-2:2018: Additional safety and testing requirements1. – IEC TS 61851-3 series: Technical specifications for wireless power transfer (informative)1. | Not specified. | BOBS |
3. Electrical Safety and Testing
- Touch Current and Impulse Current: New informative Annex HH provides guidelines for measuring touch current and touch impulse current1.
- Artificial Test Load: Annex EE specifies requirements for testing equipment1.
- Hazard-Based Safety: Electrical safety clauses (8 and 12) incorporate principles from IEC 62368-1, focusing on risk mitigation rather than prescriptive measures1.
4. System-Specific Requirements
- System A: Supports bidirectional power transfer (BPT) with side A voltages up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC1.
- Systems B and C: Requirements are limited to unidirectional power transfer; BPT/RPT specifications are under development1.
5. Compliance and Enforcement
- Adoption Timeline:
- Proposed adoption date: To be determined.
- Proposed entry into force: 12 months after publication of the standard1.
- Comment Period:
- Responsible Authority:
- Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)
- Contact: Nametso Moilwa (Senior Documentation and Information Officer)
- Email: `enquiries@bobstandards.bw` or `moilwa@bobstandards.bw`
- Physical Address: Plot 55745, Block 8, Airport Road, Gaborone1.
6. Objectives and Rationale
The regulation aims to:
- Ensure national security and human health/safety by standardizing EV charging infrastructure1.
- Protect the environment through harmonized technical requirements1.
- Reduce trade barriers by aligning with international standards (IEC)1.
Summary Answer
Botswana’s BOS IEC 61851-23:2023 establishes mandatory technical standards for DC EV supply equipment, covering electrical safety, testing, and system configurations (Systems A, B, and C). Key requirements include compliance with revised electrical safety clauses (based on IEC 62477-1 and IEC 62368-1), mandatory testing methods, and support for bidirectional power transfer (BPT) in System A1. The standard is proposed to enter into force 12 months after publication, with a comment period open until 3 January 20261. Enforcement falls under the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), which also handles compliance inquiries1. Related standards (e.g., IEC 61851-1:2017) provide additional context but are not standalone requirements1.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Botswana – Electric vehicle conductive charging system : DC electric vehicle supply equipment https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/BWA205.pdf&Open=True