The steps, in order
How to get started
- Check that your product falls within a SABS/SANS national specification (SABS lists this as the first test of being certification ready).
- Complete the enquiry form with SABS and the application form (SABS's page names form 21SF001 for the enquiry). The sales manager then confirms the enquiry has been allocated and may ask for more information.
- For the SABS mark, the online mark application asks for your registered business name and registration number, the product specification you manufacture to, the regulatory requirements for the product, the size of the site, your in-house testing and inspection capability, any outsourced processes, a description of the product, the trade names to be used with the mark and a proposed audit date.
- SABS reviews the application (scope, sites, audit time) and either accepts it and plans the audit programme, or declines it and tells you why. SABS lists unpaid fees, missing information, misuse of the mark and failing certification standards among the reasons.
- Your product is fully tested to the specification and your quality system is assessed to ISO 9001 or to specific permit conditions. If both comply, a permit to apply the mark is issued.
- After that SABS tests products regularly through the year and assesses your quality system at least twice a year. For management-system certification it runs two surveillance audits and a recertification audit.
Have these ready
Documents and information
- Registered business name, registration or identity number and site address.
- The product specification (SANS number) you manufacture to.
- A list of your in-house testing and inspection, and any outsourced processes.
- Your quality system records (SABS assesses it to ISO 9001 or its permit conditions).
- Trade names or trade marks to be used with the mark.
Be realistic
What to expect
The SABS mark is permit based: you may use it only under a valid permit and keep passing tests and audits. SABS also warns of unlawful use of its mark. For products regulated by compulsory specifications you still need the NRCS letter of authority (see the NRCS guide).
Watch out for scams. Our advice, not an official warning: apply only through sabs.co.za, and check anyone who offers a 'SABS certificate' for a fee against SABS's own certification records.
What we could not confirm. Fees and timelines. Which SANS standards cover your product (ask SABS or search its standards catalogue). Details of management-system schemes other than ISO 9001 (see the ISO guide).
Official pages
Start at the source
Tender Ready Score
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Start the free scoreMzansi Tenders is an independent service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any company named on this page. Company names are used only to describe how to supply them. Requirements change: always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay anyone.
