How to choose a manufacturer in South Africa
A manufacturer turns your idea or order into stock with your name on it. Before you commit, check the standards your product must meet, prove quality with samples, and protect your designs and your cash flow in the contract.
Standards your product may have to meet
- Some products, such as many electrical goods and some building products, fall under compulsory specifications and need approval from the NRCS before they can be sold. Ask whether yours does, and who will hold the approval.
- The SABS mark shows a product has been certified against a South African standard. It is usually voluntary, but buyers often ask for it.
- An ISO 9001 certificate shows a quality management system. Check it was issued by a certification body accredited by SANAS.
Samples before volume
Ask for pre-production samples and approve them in writing before the full run. Agree what counts as a defect, how many are acceptable, and what happens to rejected stock.
Protect your design
Before you share drawings or recipes, sign a non-disclosure agreement, and make sure the contract says who owns the moulds, tooling and designs you pay for.
Contract and payment
Agree quantities, minimum order, lead times, delivery terms and payment linked to milestones, such as a deposit, payment on sample approval and the balance on delivery. Run the checks in how to check a supplier before you sign, including CIPC registration and tax compliance.
Common questions
What is the NRCS?
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. Products covered by a compulsory specification, such as many electrical goods, need NRCS approval before they can be sold in South Africa.
Is the SABS mark compulsory?
Usually not. The SABS mark is voluntary certification against a South African standard, though many buyers ask for it. Compulsory requirements are handled by the NRCS.
How do I check an ISO certificate?
Check that the certificate is current, covers the right site and activities, and was issued by a certification body accredited by SANAS, South Africa's national accreditation body.