A directory of organisations providing cold chain-relevant certification, accreditation, and compliance verification services
Overview
This guide lists certification bodies, accreditation organisations, and regulatory authorities relevant to South African cold chain operations. Understanding who certifies what—and which certifications are recognised where—helps operators make informed decisions about certification investments.
National Accreditation and Standards
SANAS (South African National Accreditation System)
Role: South Africa’s sole national accreditation body
What They Accredit:
- Testing laboratories (ISO 17025)
- Calibration laboratories (ISO 17025)
- Certification bodies (ISO 17021)
- Inspection bodies (ISO 17020)
Cold Chain Relevance:
- Accredits temperature calibration laboratories
- Accredits management system certification bodies
- SANAS-accredited calibration certificates required for GDP compliance
Contact: www.sanas.co.za
SABS (South African Bureau of Standards)
Role: National standards body and certification provider
Services:
- SANS standards development and publication
- Product certification (SABS Mark)
- Management system certification
- Testing services
- Training
Cold Chain Certifications Offered:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)
- FSSC 22000
Contact: www.sabs.co.za
International Certification Bodies (SA Operations)
SGS South Africa
Global Presence: World’s largest inspection, verification, testing and certification company
Cold Chain Services:
- FSSC 22000 certification
- BRC Storage and Distribution
- IFS Logistics
- ISO management system certifications
- GDP auditing
- Supply chain auditing
- Laboratory testing
Specialisations: Strong in food and pharmaceutical sectors
Contact: www.sgs.co.za
Bureau Veritas South Africa
Global Presence: Major international certification and inspection group
Cold Chain Services:
- FSSC 22000 certification
- BRC certification
- ISO management system certifications
- Supply chain auditing
- Second-party audits
- Training services
Specialisations: Comprehensive food chain coverage
Contact: www.bureauveritas.co.za
BSI South Africa
Global Presence: British Standards Institution – original ISO 9001 developer
Cold Chain Services:
- ISO 9001, 14001, 22000, 45001
- FSSC 22000
- Training and gap analysis
- Second-party auditing
Specialisations: Strong in management systems, training
Contact: www.bsigroup.com/en-ZA
TÜV SÜD South Africa
Global Presence: German technical inspection and certification organisation
Cold Chain Services:
- ISO management system certifications
- Product testing and certification
- Technical inspections
- Training
Specialisations: Technical/engineering focus, product certification
Contact: www.tuvsud.com/en-za
NSF International South Africa
Global Presence: US-based food safety and public health organisation
Cold Chain Services:
- Food safety certification
- HACCP certification
- Training programs
- Consulting services
Specialisations: Food safety expertise, training
Contact: www.nsf.org
Lloyd’s Register South Africa
Global Presence: UK-based classification and certification organisation
Cold Chain Services:
- ISO management system certifications
- Food safety certifications
- Supply chain assurance
- Training
Specialisations: Strong maritime/logistics heritage
Contact: www.lr.org
DNV South Africa
Global Presence: Norwegian classification and certification organisation
Cold Chain Services:
- ISO management system certifications
- Food safety certifications (FSSC 22000)
- Supply chain services
- Digital solutions
Specialisations: Risk management approach, digital tools
Contact: www.dnv.com
Religious Certification Bodies
SANHA (South African National Halaal Authority)
Role: Largest Halaal certification body in South Africa
Services:
- Halaal certification for products and facilities
- Cold chain facility certification
- Training
- Auditing
Recognition: Internationally recognised, accepted in Middle East, Southeast Asia
Cold Chain Requirements:
- Facility audits
- Segregation verification
- Staff training
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
Contact: www.sanha.co.za
MJC Halaal Trust (Muslim Judicial Council)
Role: Western Cape-based Halaal certification
Services:
- Halaal certification
- Facility audits
- Training
Recognition: Strong regional presence, international recognition
Geographic Focus: Primarily Western Cape
Contact: www.mjc.org.za
NIHT (National Independent Halaal Trust)
Role: Independent Halaal certification body
Services:
- Halaal certification
- Facility audits
Contact: www.halaal.org.za
Union of Orthodox Synagogues (Beth Din) – Johannesburg
Role: Primary Kosher certification authority in South Africa
Services:
- Kosher certification
- Facility certification
- Product certification
- Cold chain verification
Recognition: Internationally recognised (OU, OK reciprocity)
Geographic Focus: National, headquarters in Johannesburg
Contact: www.uos.co.za
Cape Beth Din
Role: Kosher certification for Western Cape
Services:
- Kosher certification
- Facility audits
Geographic Focus: Western Cape
Organic Certification Bodies
AFRISCO (Africert)
Role: African organic certification body
Accreditations:
- EU organic equivalence
- USDA NOP accreditation
- SANAS accreditation
Services:
- Organic certification
- Cold chain facility certification
- Chain of custody verification
Contact: www.afrisco.net
Control Union South Africa
Role: International organic and sustainability certification
Services:
- Organic certification (multiple standards)
- GlobalG.A.P.
- Sustainability certifications
- Cold chain verification
Contact: www.controlunion.com
Ecocert South Africa
Role: International organic certification (French origin)
Services:
- Organic certification
- Fair trade certification
- Sustainability standards
Contact: www.ecocert.com
Occupational Health and Safety
NOSA (National Occupational Safety Association)
Role: South African OHS certification and training organisation
Services:
- NOSA 5-Star grading system
- OHS management system certification
- Training programs
- Auditing services
Cold Chain Relevance:
- Workplace safety certification
- Ammonia safety
- Cold room safety
- Materials handling safety
Contact: www.nosa.co.za
Government Regulatory Bodies
SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority)
Role: Regulator for medicines, medical devices, clinical trials
Cold Chain Functions:
- GDP licensing and inspection
- GMP certification
- Pharmaceutical importer/exporter licensing
- Product registration (stability/storage requirements)
Contact: www.sahpra.org.za
PPECB (Perishable Products Export Control Board)
Role: Official export certification for perishable products
Services:
- Export inspection and certification
- Cold chain verification
- Container monitoring
- Cold store registration
- Laboratory services
Products Covered: Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers
Contact: www.ppecb.com
DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development)
Role: Agricultural regulation and export certification
Cold Chain Functions:
- Meat Safety Act enforcement
- Phytosanitary certification
- Veterinary export certificates
- Agricultural product export permits
Contact: www.dalrrd.gov.za
Department of Health (National and Provincial)
Role: Food safety regulation enforcement
Cold Chain Functions:
- R638 enforcement (via municipal EHPs)
- Certificate of Acceptability issuance
- Food premises registration
- Complaint investigation
Note: Enforcement through municipal Environmental Health Practitioners
Department of Employment and Labour
Role: Workplace safety regulation
Cold Chain Functions:
- OHS Act enforcement
- Pressure equipment registration
- Hazardous substances oversight
- Workplace inspections
Contact: www.labour.gov.za
Industry Associations (Non-Certification)
SAIRAC (South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning)
Role: Professional body for refrigeration industry
Services:
- Professional registration
- Training programs
- Industry standards input
- Networking
Note: Not a certification body but important for professional credibility
Contact: www.sairac.org.za
GCCA South Africa (Global Cold Chain Alliance)
Role: Industry association for cold chain sector
Services:
- Industry representation
- Networking
- Best practice sharing
- Training coordination
Note: GCCA certification scheme under development globally
Contact: www.gcca.org
Choosing a Certification Body
Factors to Consider
Accreditation Status
- SANAS accreditation for SA recognition
- IAF member for international recognition
- Scheme-specific accreditation (FSSC, BRC)
Industry Experience
- Cold chain sector experience
- Auditor competence in your product category
- Local auditor availability
Service Scope
- Geographic coverage
- Multiple certification offerings
- Training and support services
Cost and Value
- Certification fees
- Audit frequency
- Additional services included
Customer Recognition
- Accepted by your target customers
- International recognition if exporting
- Scheme reputation
Multi-Site Considerations
For operators with multiple facilities:
- Single certification body across sites (efficiency)
- Matrix certification options
- Transfer policies between bodies
Certification Body Transfer
Operators can transfer between certification bodies:
- Notify current body of intent
- New body reviews existing certification
- Transfer audit conducted
- Certification continuity maintained
Reasons to Transfer:
- Better service/value
- Auditor expertise
- Customer requirements
- Geographic coverage
Information current as of November 2025. Contact certification bodies directly for current services, fees, and accreditation status.
About ColdChainSA
ColdChainSA.com is South Africa’s dedicated cold chain industry directory and resource platform.
Related Resources:
- Cold Chain Certifications Guide by Operator Type
- Cold Chain Glossary
- Find Compliance Consultants (Directory)