Guide to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

You have probably heard of the South African Bureau of Standards, or seen the famous SABS acronym on various products. The SABS is a statutory body in South Africa that was established to manage the standards in which projects are manufactured.

The statutory body was established in line with the terms of the Standards Act, 1945 (Act No. 24 of 1945). Today, the body continues to operate under those terms under the updated edition of the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 8 of 2008).

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has been mandated by the national standardisation institution in South Africa to maintain the following:

• Maintain, promote, and develop South African National Standards (SANS).
• Promote quality products and services.
• Render and assist in conformity assessment services.

If you’re wondering what you have to do to ensure your business is ready for a SABS certifications, the statutory body has identified a list of criteria to help you determine whether your business is certification ready:

• Your product falls within a SABS/SANS national specification.
• The product was tested according to a SABS/SANS specification.
• You use ISO 9001 or specific permit conditions to assess your quality system.
• Your quality system is assessed at least twice per year, with reports issued.
• Should both the product and its associated quality control system meet the specified criteria, a permit to apply the mark will be issued.
• Your business conducts regular product tests throughout a one-year period. Additionally, ensure you receive feedback on the tests.

How to Get Certified for SABS

To get your business certified, you must follow the SABS certification process. This process includes the following steps:

1. Standards Development: This statutory body has over 60 years of experience in developing national standards and ensuring South Africa does not merely remain compliant in these standards, but is competitive with international standards.

2. Standards Sales/Purchase Standard: Businesses requiring South African National Standards (SANS) can purchase SANS from SABS and other documents, such as documents with SATP, SATS, and CKS specifications.

3. Advisory Services: The advisory services department provides entrepreneurs on how to meet standards and requirements, as a means to help them provide quality products and services. The advisory services offered by SABS consist of a team of consultants who specialise in various sectors such as food safety, occupational health, environment, chemical and more.

4. Laboratory Services: Products go through an intense process of testing. SABS’s testing processes include proficiency testing, calibration, inspection, as well as evaluation.

5. Certification Services: SABS audits and provides system and product certifications for businesses. Applicants have access to Mark Scheme staff who are available to assist in processing applications.

6. Local Content Verification: This step is essential to the implementation of the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) under the mandate of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic). The aim is to provide local manufacturers with a significant portion of government business. This is part of the economic intention to develop local industries and create jobs.

7. Training: Business owners can empower their teams at the SABS Training Academy, allowing them to gain expert-led certifications. The training academy provides your team with the necessary tools and knowledge they need to drive success. The training courses include:

• SANS/ISO 27001 (Information Security)
• SANS/ISO 22000 (Food Safety)
• SANS/ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety)
• SANS/ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
• SANS/ISO 9001 (Quality Management)

How to Access the Training Academy

SABS draws from 70 years of experience to curate courses where your team can upskill and discover new opportunities. The training academy provides accredited courses as listed above. To make a request for group training, send an e-mail to TCPSales@sabs.co.za. Pricing on the website ranges from R1 000 to R20000.

Types of SABS Certification Available

SABS offers two types of certifications, which include the system and product certification. Each type goes through two years of surveillance auditing and a re-certification every 3 years.

Steps for System Certification

• Stage 1 assessment
• Stage 2 assessment
• SABS Approval Board Decision
• Certificate issues

Steps for Product Certification

• General Permit Conditions
• Specific Permit Conditions
• The Sample is Drawn and Taken to Testing
• SABS Approval Board Decision
• Permit Issued

How to Get the SABS Mark?

The SABS mark gives your business credibility and encourages trust in your target audience. It also serves as an indication that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to gain the mark. These steps include:

1. Apply and get a quote.
2. Plan and schedule assessment
3. Initial assessment.
4. Sampling and testing of the product.
5. Submission to the approval board.
6. Permit if given
7. Post-permit inspection.
8. Review and renew permit inspections
9. Get the SABS mark.

Are SABS Standards Mandatory?

No, SABS standards are not mandatory; they are voluntary standards. While the standards are not mandatory, laws and regulations can make compliance with certain standards a compulsory requirement. There are currently over 6 000 standards maintained by the standards division.

How are Standards Made?

South African National Standards (SANS) are developed through a clear and structured process. This is to ensure quality, fairness, and international alignment. The SABS National Norm guides the full lifecycle of a standard, from development and approval to revision and withdrawal. This framework ensures transparency, giving all relevant stakeholders a chance to contribute.

Rules for Structure and Drafting

SANS documents follow the Rules for the Structure and Drafting of Standards, which set out how standards must be written and organised. Clear and precise language is used, while the SABS Standards Division determines the formatting and layout. This ensures consistency across all standards, making them easy to read and understand.

Principles of SANS Development

Standards must only be developed when there is a clear need. Here are the principles guiding the development of SANS.

• Technology: Technology helps committees and working groups collaborate efficiently and manage tasks faster.
• Consensus and Impartiality: All major objections must be resolved before approval. An appeals procedure exists to settle disputes, ensuring fairness.
• Balance: Committees are structured to represent national stakeholders fairly, with regular reviews to maintain balance.
• Transparency: The process is open to committee members, the public, and WTO members. This ensures that no entity is given special privilege.
• Discipline: Members must provide their organisation’s technical positions early. Additionally, they must respect deadlines to prevent delays and achieve robust consensus.

SABS Standards for Manufacturing and Products

There is a wide range of standards to be purchased across various industries. The industries include:

• Chemicals
• Computer and Electronics
• Construction
• Automotive
• Financial Services
• Consumer Products
• Food Processing
• Energy
• Medical Pharmaceutical
• Glass, Rubber, and Plastics
• Metals and Steel
• Mining
• Public Service

How to Purchase a Standard?

To purchase South African National Standards (SANS), businesses and individuals simply need to go to the SABS store, browse through standards or search for what they are looking for, add to cart and make their purchase online. If you are an extensive user and buyer, you can look into subscribing to the annual service. The annual subscription comes with the perk of obtaining a collection of standards through a multi-user license.

Business Benefits

• Measurable improvement in product and service quality: Standards help your business deliver high-quality products and services every time.
• Fewer products not meeting standards: Fewer faulty products mean fewer returns and less damage to your reputation.
• Better reputation in the market: Meeting standards shows professionalism and builds trust with customers and partners.
• Stronger competitive edge: Standards give your business an advantage by keeping your products and services above the rest.
• Better internal communication: Clear standards help teams understand each other and work together smoothly.
• More focus on quality: Standards encourage everyone to care about quality and make it part of daily work.
• Better record keeping and control: Accurate records help track performance and make better business decisions.
• More discipline in processes: Structured steps make work consistent and reduce mistakes.
• Higher management efficiency: Standards make operations smooth and allow managers to focus on strategy.
• Access to international markets: Some markets require certain standards. Meeting them opens new opportunities.

Customer Benefits

• Less time wasted on problems: Reliable products and services save customers time and reduce frustration.
• Less waste of materials: Efficient processes reduce material waste and keep costs lower.
• Fewer faulty products: Customers get products that work as expected, building trust.
• Better stock control: Accurate records make sure products are available when needed.
• Better customer service: Standards help businesses respond faster and consistently.
• Confidence in the supply chain: Customers trust that every step follows the rules, making delivery reliable.

Understanding and engaging with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is a strategic move for any entrepreneur aiming to elevate their business. From ensuring product quality and operational efficiency to gaining market credibility and accessing new opportunities, SABS certification offers benefits for both businesses and their customers.

By following the structured certification process, entrepreneurs can not only enhance their competitiveness but also contribute to building a culture of quality and trust in the market.