29 of 2008) as the national institution for the promotion and maintenance of standardization and quality in connection with commodities and the rendering of services.

The SABS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and reliability of the products and services in South Africa, and in promoting international trade through compliance with global standards.

SABS also holds the Secretariat for SADCSTAN, the standardization body for the Southern African Development Community of 14 nations.

[citation needed] Coordinated by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the Sanitary Dignity Framework was created to improve menstrual hygiene.

[6] The SABS intended to standardize the production of washable, reusable sanitary towels in August 2019.