For businesses relying on compliance claims, especially in construction, manufacturing and municipal supply, confusing these three bodies can mean accepting an invalid certificate. A certifier without SANAS accreditation has no legal standing to issue a SANS certification, however official the paperwork looks.
Source: South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
If SABS doesn't own the standards, who writes them?
SANS standards are developed and published independently of any single certifier — SABS is a user and certifier of them, not their owner.
Can a certifying body other than SABS issue valid SANS certification?
Yes, provided that body holds SANAS accreditation for the relevant standard — SABS is one certifier among several.
How do I check if a certification body is legitimately accredited?
SANAS publishes a list of accredited bodies on its website, the definitive way to confirm a certifier's standing.