SANRAL & DPWI Standards for Road Surface Marking Paint in South Africa | TIANHUA Traffic
In South Africa, procurement of road surface marking paints for highways, municipal roads and airports must meet the standards defined by both the national agencies such as SANRAL and DPWI, and the national standards body, South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Ensuring compliance not only affects durability and visibility of line markings but also the eligibility of bids in performance-based contracts. For example, SANRAL has shifted to performance-based contracts for markings, where payment is linked to the quality of the materials and workmanship.
Key Standards & Documents
- SABS 731-1 / SABS 731-2: Road Marking Paint — defines classes of paints, durability and application requirements.
- CKS 192 (Drop-on Type Reflectorised Road Marking Paint) — referenced in municipal specification documents.
- SANS 1442: Roadstuds — although focused on studs, often marking contracts reference related standards for retroreflectivity.
- PART “TB” : Road Markings (e.g., City of Durban specification) — provides material, construction and testing requirements for local government road markings.
- SADC-RTSM / Road Traffic Signs Manual — This manual guides dimensioning, line widths and symbol standards, indirectly influencing paint specification.
Material Specification Requirements
When specifying road marking paint for South African projects, make sure to include the following elements aligned with SABS and SANRAL/DPWI requirements:
- Paint delivered in sealed containers, with manufacturer name and type clearly marked.
- For reflective or drop-on bead paints: compliance with CKS 192 and minimum bead dosage and retention.
- Surface cleaning and preparation: removing laitance/curing compound from new concrete, ensuring surface is dry and clean before marking.
- Thermoplastic or high-build paint thickness criteria: some municipal documents specify e.g., “longitudinal road markings to be 1.2 mm thermoplastic” for minor works.
Performance-Based Contracts & SANRAL Approach
SANRAL has stepped up quality control by awarding contracts where material performance and visibility over time are key. For instance, during Free State road marking projects, SANRAL required proof of reflective bead retention and limiting early deterioration of the markings. Under such contracts, using sub-standard paint may delay payment or trigger penalties. This emphasizes the value of specifying internationally certified products.
Procurement Checklist for Suppliers
| Item | Requirement |
| Compliance Certificate | SABS 731 class, CKS 192 for drop-on bead paints |
| Test Report | Third-party test for retroreflectivity, skid resistance, bead embedment |
| Batch Traceability | Material batch number, manufacture date, shelf life |
| Material Data Sheet (MDS) | Contains resin type, bead dosage, softening point |
| Application Guide | Temperature range, recommended thickness, bead drop rate |
| Warranty/Service Life | Minimum expected life — for example 2-3 years or more for high-durability work |
For suppliers like TIANHUA Traffic, we provide full documentation, tailored tropical-climate formulas, and support for South African market tendering.
Why Partnering with a Certified Manufacturer Matters
Choosing a manufacturer who understands both international standards (BS, AASHTO) and local South African requirements ensures your project specification is compliant and your supply chain reliable. For example, thermoplastic paints certified under BS 3262 (often accepted by South African projects) provide longer life and better resistance to African climate conditions.
Conclusion
For your next road marking project in South Africa, ensuring compliance with SANRAL/DPWI specifications and SABS standards is non-negotiable. Materials that meet or exceed those standards will reduce rework, enhance durability and improve safety. TIANHUA Traffic offers thermoplastic and high-performance marking paints that meet these specifications and support local procurement and distribution channels.
Contact us today to request specification sheets, proof of compliance, sample panels and a tailored quotation for the South African market.
