General FAQ
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- How do I get SABS "approval"?
1. How do I get SABS "approval"?
The SABS provides "approval" (or at least verifies conformity) on a number of levels, for example by testing a product against the requirements of a standard, or issuing a certificate to show compliance with a recognised standard such as SANS ISO 9000. However, when people speak about SABS "approval", they are usually referring to the SABS Mark.
Unlike national or international standards, the SABS Mark is the sole property of the South African Bureau of Standards. It is a visual mark that is displayed on products, giving buyers the assurance that the product meets certain safety and/or quality requirements and can thus be trusted. The SABS may issue a permit to a manufacturer allowing them to apply the Mark to their product.
To earn the SABS Mark, the product is firstly proven through testing, to verify that it complies with the requirements of the applicable South African National Standard. If no South African National Standard is deemed to apply to the product, then other acceptable standards may be used at the discretion of the SABS. This testing will be carried out by the SABS, using either its own laboratories or any other laboratory that it may nominate.
Secondly, the manufacturing process for the product will be audited to ensure that the product can be manufactured consistently to the required standard. In order to prove this capability, the manufacturer must have a documented quality system in place that covers at least the important components of the manufacturing process. The SABS will audit this system using the ISO 9000 standard as a guideline, although it is not a requirement that the manufacturer’s system must comply fully with all requirements of that standard.
The permit to use the SABS Mark on products is only valid for a specified period during which time the product and quality system must be tested and audited regularly to show ongoing compliance with the requirements of the SABS Mark scheme.
For further details of how the SABS Mark can benefit your company and products, please contact the SABS Sales department at 27 12 428 6996
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