1. What is Agrement South Africa (ASA)?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] Agrément South Africa (ASA)was established in terms of a delegation of Authority from the then Minister of Public Works in July 1969. The organisation is currently a schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act No. 11 of 1999 and is established under the Agrément South Africa Act No 11 of 2015. The organisation is an entity of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI) and its mandate is within the domain of the built environment and as such, the legislation and mandates that impact on the built environment and public works guide the functioning and operations of Agrément South Africa. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

2. What is the difference between ASA and South African Bureau of Standard (SABS)?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and Agrément South Africa (ASA) are two independent organisations concerned with technical approvals in South Africa. The SABS operates within a wide range of areas and deals with standards and codes of practice relating to conventional products. The SABS is aligned with international organisations for standardisation. Unlike the SABS, ASA only operates within the construction industry. The agency was established to assess innovative, non-standardised construction products and systems. ASA is aligned with the World Federation of Technical Assessment Organisations. In terms of industry practice, when construction products or systems are concerned, the development phase of the product/system in its lifecycle determines whether the SABS or ASA gets involved. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

3. What is the process of obtaining an ASA certificate (step-by-step)?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] The Agrément Certification process takes the form of 5 steps as described below: Application a . Client completes application form and submits to Agrément for processing (this phase is where the entity scrutinizes the subject for which Agrément certification is sought for appropriateness i.e., whether the product/system is a subject for Agrément approval). Evaluation Offer a . Upon acceptance of the application by ASA, the entity will prepare an evaluation/assessment offer stipulating various condition of certification. b . The offer details information such as the scope of the evaluation programme, uses for which the subject is intended (as per SAN 10400), the certification process, conditions of certification, quality management system requirements, time estimate for the evaluation and related costs. Assessment Process a . The assessment/evaluation process commences once ASA has a contractual agreement between themselves and a client. b . Upon acceptance of the evaluation offer, a client is required to have paid the assessment fee stipulated in the offer. c. The assessment process is undertaken in line with the aspects of performance described in the offer. Award of certificate a . Once the assessment process is completed in terms of all aspects of performance and positive test reports have been received, an Agrément certificate is drafted. b . The draft certificate and supporting test reports are then presented to the Technical Committee of ASA for approval and the Board of ASA for ratification. c. The Board ratified certificate is then gazetted, and a final certificate awarded to the client. Post-quality monitoring a . ASA certificate holders are required to partake in the entity’s quality monitoring activities wherein an annual quality inspection is undertaken in relation to the certified subject, with the possibility of random audits in a given year. b . Other post-quality monitoring requirements are detailed in Agrément’s Guidelines for preparation of a quality management system. Other useful information concerning the ASA certification process is obtainable under the “Certification” tab on the ASA website: https://agrement.co.za/certification-process/ [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

4. What are the benefits of having an ASA certificate?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] The main objective of Agrément certificates is to provide re-assurance of the fitness-forpurpose of construction products, systems, materials which are not covered by SANS Standards or codes of practice. Agrément certificates can be used to demonstrate compliance with regulations, as specified in the certificate. As per the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, unconventional building methods can only be deemed to satisfy by way of rational design or Agrément certification. Agrément certificates can also be used to facilitate acceptance and/or approval by: Designers and Specifiers Regulatory Authorities Government & Community-Support Organisations Financial institutions. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

5. How long does it take to get a product/system certified at ASA?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] It takes about 6 months, but this is highly dependent on the type of tests that are conducted. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

6. How much does it cost to get ASA certificate?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] There is an application fee and testing/assessment costs. An application fee for a Building System is R11 400 and R5 700 for a product. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

7. How long is an ASA certificate valid?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] A certificate is valid for 3 years, subject to payment of annual fees and annual audits. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

8. What is ASA Eco-labelling system, also known as the ecoASA?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] EcoASA is an ecolabel for building materials and products that provides verification that a product meets certain criteria relating to the environmental impact of the product. An ecolabel will be awarded to building products or materials that are less stressful on the environment based on a scoring system. It is a Type I environmental labeling scheme making it voluntary in nature and awards an ecolabel based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

10. What is the difference between an Active, Inactive, Suspended, and Withdrawn Certificate?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] Active Certificate - A certificate under the Agrément certificate validity that has not lapsed, for which the certificate holder is actively participating in Post Certification Audits and paying annual fees according to the Conditions of Certification. Inactive Certificate - A certificate that is inoperative and ASA does not conduct regular monitoring of the certificate holder’s implementation of the quality management system. A certificate may be inactivated if the market conditions or other circumstances become unfavorable, but the certificate holder wishes to retain the certificate until such time that circumstances have changed. If a certificate is inactive the client shall cease to use the ASA Mark. Suspended Certificate - A certificate that is temporarily inactive due to non-conformance to the Conditions of the Certification or non-payment of annual fees. The suspended certificate may be withdrawn if there is no remedial or the non-conformances are not resolved within the suspension period. Should an Agrément Certificate be under suspension, the product may not carry the ASA Mark and no advertising or promotion of same shall be allowed. Withdrawn Certificate - A certificate that does not comply with the conditions of certification or has been suspended without remedial action on the part of the certificate holder. If a certificate is withdrawn the client shall cease to use the ASA Mark. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

9. What is the difference between a Licensee Certificate and an ASA Certificate?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text content_alignment="justify"] Licensee - Any person or company appointed by the certificate holder and registered with Agrément South Africa to construct or manufacture the product/system in accordance with the approved certificate and authorized to claim compliance with the certificate. ASA Certificate - A certificate that has been issued by ASA after satisfying the client’s nonstandardized construction-related product is fit-for-purpose. It is used to demonstrate compliance with regulations as specified in the certificate. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

FAQs - Agrément South Africa

Published On: 21 September 2023|0.5 min read|
1. What is Agrement South Africa (ASA)?
Read More
Published On: 21 September 2023|0.6 min read|
2. What is the difference between ASA and South African Bureau of Standard (SABS)?
Read More
Published On: 21 September 2023|1.7 min read|
3. What is the process of obtaining an ASA certificate (step-by-step)?
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Published On: 21 September 2023|0.5 min read|
4. What are the benefits of having an ASA certificate?
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Published On: 21 September 2023|0.1 min read|
5. How long does it take to get a product/system certified at ASA?
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Published On: 21 September 2023|0.1 min read|
6. How much does it cost to get ASA certificate?
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Published On: 21 September 2023|0.1 min read|
7. How long is an ASA certificate valid?
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Published On: 21 September 2023|0.4 min read|
8. What is ASA Eco-labelling system, also known as the ecoASA?
Read More
Published On: 21 September 2023|1.1 min read|
10. What is the difference between an Active, Inactive, Suspended, and Withdrawn Certificate?
Read More
Published On: 21 September 2023|0.4 min read|
9. What is the difference between a Licensee Certificate and an ASA Certificate?
Read More