24 FEATURES |
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Testing lab tests the product
against SANS standard
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Pass |
Lab issues test report, showing whether product passed or failed tests
Fail
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of the component( s) on the JASWIC list will be subject to continued compliance with the applicable standard( s). JASWIC may request verification tests to be performed by a SANAS-accredited testing laboratory if deemed necessary to confirm compliance.
Impact on municipalities and industry JASWIC serves as one of the standards for local government compliance:
• By-law integration: While most water by-laws require materials to be on an‘ approved schedule’, few local authorities maintain their own lists. Instead, they voluntarily subscribe to the JASWIC Acceptance Schedule via direct by-law wording or council resolutions.
• Industry resource: Beyond compliance, the JASWIC list is a vital database used by engineers, architects and artisans to source reliable products for various installations.
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Test report is sent to
certification body
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Product needs to be retested
when manufacturer has made
necessary changes
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Applicants provide test report proving SANS compliance, fees and necessary documentation to JASWIC |
Product goes through a verification process, and is then added to JASWIC acceptance schedule |
Certification body certifies |
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the product and manufacturer’ s |
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factory |
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JASWIC list is used by |
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local authorities, engineers, |
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architects and artisans |
Manufacturer puts certification mark on the product – certification body + standard
The certification cycle.
To keep certification
• Product is regularly retested
• Factory is regularly audited
JASWIC was formed in the early 1980s by water engineers from South Africa’ s major municipalities, and it was established to create a unified national acceptance list. The primary goal is to verify that plumbing products comply with relevant SANS. The constitution of South Africa( section 156 and 162) entrusts and authorises the municipalities to administer all aspects of water and sanitation through their Water and Sanitation Bylaws, which also require them to maintain a Schedule of Approved Pipes and Fittings.
The acceptance process To become JASWIC-accepted, applicants must prove and / or provide:
• Compliance: Applicants must provide a full specification test report from a SANAS-accredited body proving compliance with the applicable SANS standard.
• Documentation: All required documentation and fees must be submitted as outlined on the JASWIC website.
• Verification: This process ensures that components meet a‘ reasonable standard’ of performance and lifespan, regardless of their country of origin.
• JASWIC certificates are valid for two years from the date of acceptance. The validity of the certificate and the continued listing
JASWIC Acceptance cycle. The risks of using non-compliant products:
• Breach of the Consumer Protection Act( CPA) –“ The CPA requires all goods supplied and installed to be safe, durable and fit for purpose,” emphasises Gordon.
• Reputation risk – A failure almost always comes back on the plumber, not the product.
• Financial risk – Unpaid call backs, and possible remediation costs.“ At the end of the day, if it’ s a comeback, it’ s a costly comeback,” stresses SATAS’ Kevin Ebersohn.
• Health and safety risks to the consumer – Scalding and injury to the consumer can occur.
• Long-term risk – Often, problems with non-compliant products only present years later, but the liability remains with whoever installed the non-compliant product.
Kelli Marsberg stresses that the use of compliant products is effectively an insurance-like protection to the plumber. If something were to go wrong somewhere down the line and the plumber made use of compliant and tested products, they have an easier defence under the CPA, as well as a stronger position in insurance and liability disputes.
The plumber’ s role Gordon stresses that plumbers have a role in educating consumers about which products are the best to use, in plain language, as per the CPA.
Remember, the certification bodies are there to help you. Ebersohn emphasises that plumbers should contact certification bodies to ask which products are certified if they are unsure –“ We’ re all in the same
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2026 Volume 32 I Number 03