The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) is South Africa's national accreditation body, responsible for accrediting organizations involved in testing, calibration, certification, and inspection services. Established in 1996, SANAS operates under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Its primary role is to ensure that conformity assessment bodies in South Africa meet rigorous international standards of competence and reliability, thus supporting the quality, safety, and efficiency of products and services across various industries.

SANAS collaborates with a variety of national and international organizations to maintain high standards of accreditation. It is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). Through these memberships, SANAS participates in mutual recognition arrangements that facilitate the global acceptance of test and calibration results, certifications, and inspection reports issued by accredited South African bodies. These international collaborations help reduce technical barriers to trade and enhance the global competitiveness of South African products and services.

To achieve its objectives, SANAS continuously updates its accreditation criteria and processes to align with international best practices. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including the accreditation of laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies. By ensuring the quality and reliability of these services, SANAS supports regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and industrial innovation. For more detailed information about SANAS’s initiatives and impact, please visit their official website.