[Question] SABS testing

[Richard S]

I have a small electrical product which I would like to submit for SABS testing. Can anyone tell me if I would need to do this through a registered company or could I do it as a sole prop?
Also. there is no factory for them to inspect as I only have a prototype which was home manufactured. Is that permissable? The idea is to patent the device and then sell the patent without getting involved in the manufacturing at all.
Any guestimates of costs involved would be appreciated.

[Blurock]

You would probably have to approach the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Standards) as the SABS was transferred to this dept of the DTI as promulgated in 2008. http://www.nrcs.org.za/

Before doing that, you need to establish whether there is a standard for this type of product. For this, you have to check with The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

http://home.sanas.co.za/

If you just want to patent the product, contact a good patent lawyer to do the registration for you. You do not have to do tests to register a patent. All you need are sketches or drawings and an explanation of how the product works. If you are confident that the concept will work, register your patent first, before building a prototype. I may be able to assist you with contact names in this regard. PM me if you need assistance.

[Richard S]

Thanks Blurock, I guess I have started the process in the middle and am now proceeding to the beginning! I have the prototype actually working (more or less) and have made contact with a patent lawyer near to where I am based in Cape Town.
After speaking to the SABS a couple of days ago I realised that the testing could follow later, but was not aware that one could patent an idea. Now that I know I will press on with this first before trying to perfect the prototype.