Targeting gaps in the South African product testing market: Results from a new dataset

This policy brief attempts to draw some initial conclusions on the state of the testing infrastructure for South African National Standards (SANS). The analysis draws on a new database developed by TIPS, which individually codes some 550 SANAS testing laboratory accreditation reports. It identifies four important trends in the South African testing space: the rapid growth of private testing providers, the growing role of the big three private testers, the growth of small specialist testing firms, and – most importantly – the bifurcation of the South African testing space, and the subsequent need for a deeper, more targeted role for the South African Bureau of Standards. Finally, the policy brief recommends a new approach to monitoring and evaluation of standards, quality, and accreditation (SQAM) in South Africa, with the aim of facilitating more targeted policy interventions.