If you're a business buyer, specifying "SABS tested" instead of "SABS Approved" in a contract could mean accepting products with far less quality assurance than intended. SABS has publicly warned that manufacturers sometimes misuse test reports to imply certification they never obtained.
Source: South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the actual difference between a test report and the SABS Mark?
A test report checks one sample against one standard at one point in time. The SABS Mark of Approval is an ongoing certification scheme involving factory audits, unannounced inspections, and repeat sampling over three years.
How can I check if a product is genuinely SABS Approved?
Look for the specific SABS Mark logo alongside a permit or licence number, and verify directly with SABS rather than relying on a supplier's own paperwork.
Does "SABS tested" carry legal weight in a tender or contract?
It can, but only for what it actually says — that a sample met a standard once. It shouldn't be treated as equivalent to full certification unless the contract wording says otherwise.