SANS 10406 Compliance Audits

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has laid down minimum requirements for the handling, classification and disposal of hazardous waste in South Africa which states that to minimise uncontrolled dumping of Hazardous Wastes, consignors and transporters must comply with the SANS 10406 national standard on Transportation of Dangerous Goods.

The SANS 10406:2014 standard also takes cognizance off the following Acts, regulations and other publications which are relevant to SANS 10406 for the handling and transportation of dangerous goods in South Africa:

  • ISO/SANS 14001 Environmental Management Systems;
  • Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act No. 45 of 1965);
  • Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) and EIA Regulations;
  • Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956);
  • Fire Brigade Services Act, 1987 (Act No. 99 of 1987);
  • Hazardous Substances Act, 1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973);
  • National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998);
  • National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996);
  • National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998);
  • Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act No. 46 of 1999);
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993); and
  • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Minimum requirements for the handling, classification and disposal of hazardous waste.


SANS 10406 audits are conducted by an independent certification body to verify conformity to the applicable requirements of the SANS 10406 standard. During the audit, the Auditor will assess the organization’s management system against the conformity requirements of the SANS 10406:2014, as well as the applicable legislation and other regulatory requirements.  SANS 10406 certification is granted and the conformance certificate issued upon successful completion of that audit. Annual surveillance audits are conducted assess continued conformance and to raise any nonconformities that require rectification, identify potential risks emanating from business operations that might affect conformance and to achieve continuous improvement.

The Association reserves the right to periodically audit the Reconditioners against the above SANS 10406 or equivalent standard. Auditors are appointed by the Association. Reconditioners are required to co-operate with any such audit without prior notice. Auditing will be carried out as determined by the Association.

All Reconditioners shall be SANS 10406 certified or in the process of becoming certified, or have an environmental management system of the equivalent standard operating or in the process of being implemented which implies continuous improvement, have demonstrable legal compliance, and a traceable system for used industrial packaging received, re-conditioned and delivered which will be audited by a SAICRA-appointed auditor.

SAICRA MEMBERS