3.3.1 Mechanisms for developing standards

There are two primary mechanisms to develop norms and standards. Standards that are non-technical, or on which there is already clear consensus, will follow DEA's internal procedures for standard setting as with the development of the National Domestic Waste Collection Standards. The development of complex technical standards that must be scientifically exact will use the standard setting procedure of the South African Technical Infrastructure (SATI), which falls under the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

SABS standards are developed via a consensual process using multi-stakeholder committees that involve those responsible for meeting the standards in the development of their content. In instances where consensus on the standards is not achieved within a realistic timeframe, DEA will exercise its prerogative to promulgate the standards based on its own technical assessment.

While standards developed through SABS are voluntary, the Waste Act empowers the Minister to make such standards mandatory. Once a standard has been developed through SATI, it will be promulgated in terms of regulations issued under the Waste Act. Where required, additional regulatory provisions will support the promulgated standards.

Agents accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) will certify compliance with the developed SABS standards. The SABS will use globally standardised measurements, which the metrology unit of SABS provides on request. Whilst SANAS will not offer training to private agencies, it will provide accreditation training for their assessors.

DEA and the SABS will sign a memorandum of understanding that sets out the basis on which the Department can develop certain technical standards through the SATI mechanisms.