SANS Standards Glossary
This glossary defines the key terms used in the South African standards and compliance landscape.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| SANS | South African National Standard. A technical specification published by the SABS under the Standards Act, 2008. |
| SABS | South African Bureau of Standards. The national standards body of South Africa, established under the Standards Act, 2008. |
| NRCS | National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. The regulatory body that administers compulsory specifications (VCs) under the NRCS Act, 2008. |
| VC | Compulsory Specification (Verplichte Spesifikasie). A regulation issued under the NRCS Act, 2008 that makes compliance with a specific SANS legally mandatory. |
| LoA | Letter of Authority. A document issued by the NRCS authorising the import, manufacture, or sale of a product covered by a compulsory specification. |
| CoC | Certificate of Conformity. A document issued by an accredited inspection body confirming that a product meets the requirements of the relevant SANS or VC. |
| PVoC | Pre-Export Verification of Conformity. A programme requiring that regulated products be tested and certified before they are shipped to South Africa. |
| SABS Mark | The SABS Mark of Approval. A voluntary product certification mark issued by the SABS indicating that a product has been tested and certified to comply with the relevant SANS. |
| ISO | International Organization for Standardization. The international body that publishes ISO standards, many of which are adopted as SANS. |
| IEC | International Electrotechnical Commission. The international body that publishes IEC standards for electrical and electronic products, many of which are adopted as SANS. |
| SANAS | South African National Accreditation System. The body that accredits certification bodies, testing laboratories, and inspection bodies in South Africa. |
| POPIA | Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013. South Africa's primary data protection legislation. |