1. Certification Introduction

SABS is the abbreviation for the South African Bureau of Standards, an independent third-party certification body in South Africa responsible for system certification and product certification. Many products entering the South African market require SABS certification.

2. Certification System

Manufacturers or importers of electrical products covered by mandatory regulations must obtain the corresponding certificates to sell their products. Electrical products and accessories, electrical equipment, and gambling entertainment equipment must be approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in accordance with the South African mandatory standard SANS and issued the following certificates.

3. Certification Scope

SABS certification is voluntary and widely applied in fields such as chemical products, biological products, fiber products and clothing, mechanical products, safety equipment, electrical products, civil engineering and construction, and automotive products. Among them, building materials and products involved include: stone products, concrete products, roofing materials, cement, lime, cement admixtures, natural building stones, safety glass, steel structures, wood and wood products, bricks, tiles, paint, coatings, sealants, etc.

Electrical products covered by mandatory regulations fall into the following five categories:

Household and similar use products: Standard "SANS IEC60335";

Information technology products: Standard "IEC60950";

Electronic entertainment equipment: Standard "SANS IEC60065";

Hand-held electric tools: Standard "SANS IEC60745"; Standard "SANS IEC61029";

Wires and cables: Standard "VC8075", "VC8077".

In South Africa, SABS implements system certification and product certification, both of which are voluntary.

4. Certification Requirements

(1) The product complies with an SABS/SANS national standard;

(2) The product passes the corresponding standard tests;

(3) The quality system meets ISO 9000 requirements or other specified requirements;

(4) Only when both the product and the quality system meet the requirements can the SABS mark be applied for;

(5) Routine product testing must be conducted under guidance, and test results must be submitted and disclosed;

(6) Quality system assessments must be conducted at least twice a year and require a full-content evaluation.

5. Certification Process

(1) The manufacturer fills out a complete application form;

(2) If the factory has more than one site, an additional application form is required. Each product within the certification scope must be listed on the application form. Additionally, the factory must fill out a credit application form for the responsible person, who must guarantee the initial review fee and other certification costs;

(3) After receiving the application form, the South African Bureau of Standards will issue an audit quotation;

(4) Upon acceptance of the quotation, the South African Bureau of Standards will conduct a factory audit;

(5) If the above audits are passed, the South African Bureau of Standards will prepare an annual supervision contract;

(6) Two auditors will conduct random inspections annually, and the costs of annual supervision inspections and testing will be specified in the contract;

(7) The two auditors will take samples back to the laboratory;

(8) For subsequent testing, samples will be taken from the goods of South African buyers. If the number of shipments is less than four per year, the shortfall in samples must be sent by the factory at its own expense;

(9) If the test results are unsatisfactory, the cost of the samples and retesting will be borne by the factory;

(10) The certificate will be valid for three years unless canceled for other reasons.