Testing procedures for importers

All appliances imported from foreign countries must be accompanied by a test report from an accredited test laboratory that clearly indicates the performance of the appliance. Without this report, the importer must have the appliance tested locally at an accredited test laboratory, at their own expense.

Testing procedures for local manufacturers

Local manufacturers are required to produce a report from an accredited test laboratory. Once this report is received, South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Regulatory Affairs will issue a Letter of Authority, which allows for the national trading of an appliance that complies with certain standards. For example, the South African Bureau of Standards has set the following standards: SANS 5155, 7371 and 8187 (see below) which apply to household refrigerating appliances.

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) national amendment No. 1: May 2005

SANS 5155: 2005
Household refrigerating appliances
Frozen food storage cabinets and food freezers
Characteristics and test methods

SANS 7371: 2005
Household refrigerating appliances
Refrigerators with or without low-temperature compartment
Characteristics and test methods

SANS 8187: 2005
Household refrigerating appliances
Refrigerator-freezers
Characteristics and test methods