The SABS Mark (often seen as “SABS Approved”) is a widely recognized voluntary product certification in South Africa administered by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and based on SANS (South African National Standards). What are the benefits of marking products with the SABS Mark, and is it required?
What is SABS, and who issues the certification?
SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) is the national standards and certification body in South Africa. Through its Product Certification (SABS Mark Scheme), SABS evaluates the product and the manufacturing process. If they meet the requirements, the manufacturer receives a permit to apply the SABS Mark to the specific model(s).
SABS emphasizes that the test report alone does not entitle the manufacturer to use the “SABS Approved” mark; a “permit” (the right to use the mark) and supervision are required.
Which products can carry the SABS Mark?
The SABS mark applies to a wide range of products – from electrical engineering, construction, and chemical products to automotive and safety equipment. In practice, SABS certifies products against the relevant SANS (national) standards and conducts tests in its own or accredited laboratories.
Is the SABS Mark mandatory?
The SABS mark is voluntary, meaning it is not required by law. By contrast, NRCS oversees Compulsory Specifications (VCs) and issues LoAs that are mandatory for regulated categories. For categories covered by the VC, a LoA is required before products can be placed on the market.
The “SABS Approved” statement alone does not replace the LoA/RCC/SP issued by the NRCS. For example, for household appliances, a LoA is mandatory, and the SABS mark is additional, but it has marketing value.
How long is the SABS certification valid?
- The SABS EMC CoC, issued for EMC products outside the ICASA scope, is typically valid for 3 years.
- The SABS Mark permit is subject to continuous surveillance (audits and sampling) conducted on a three-year cycle. During this period, SABS conducts assessments at various points in the quality cycle.
- NRCS LoAs (for regulated products) are usually valid for 3 years, so remember to renew them before their expiry.
How much does the SABS Mark cost?
The cost depends on:
- the scope of testing (SANS standards, number of models/variations),
- the factory audit and surveillance frequency (3-year cycle),
- any supplementary testing in accredited laboratories (SABS A-Lab / ILAC),
- sample logistics, and the number of production locations.
Pricing is calculated individually after reviewing the documentation and product profile. SABS and conformity assessment bodies state that most certificates/CoCs are valid for three years, which also includes renewal and oversight costs.
To find out how much certification will cost for your products, request a quote after defining your product family and target standards.
Step-by-step: how to obtain the SABS Mark (Product Certification)
- Submit your documentation for review.
- Have tests performed by SABS or an accepted accredited lab against the relevant SANS requirements.
- Prepare for a factory audit. SABS assesses your manufacturing controls, traceability, calibration, and corrective action processes.
- If requirements are met, SABS issues a permit for the approved models.
- To be compliant, you must be subject to ongoing surveillance.
Why the SABS Mark is worth it
- SABS Approved provides a competitive advantage.
- Because certification includes ongoing monitoring, buyers have confidence in quality consistency.
- Many retail chains in South Africa prefer products with the SABS Mark as “proof of above-standard quality.”
- In line with the NRCS LoA – even though an LoA is a regulatory requirement for some categories, having a SABS mark in parallel facilitates documentation clarity and reduces the risk of compliance disputes.
SABS Mark – what to remember?
- Do not use the phrase “SABS Approved” if you do not have the appropriate approval for a given model.
- Ensure that instructions, labels, and data sheets reflect the appropriate SANS VC standards and certificate and approval numbers.
- For products subject to EMC compliance, ensure the CoC is valid (3 years) and plan renewals in advance.
