Standards Development
The Standards Development Unit, in accordance with the Standards and Quality Act No. 10 of 2003, as amended, is mandated to facilitate the development of standards for the different sectors of the economy, publish, and maintain the Eswatini National Standards (SZNS) and related normative publications serving the standardisation needs for Eswatini.
These standards are developed to help industry produce quality products that meet the expectations of consumers and comply with environmental, health and safety regulations.
Industry Sectors
ESWASA has developed standards across the following sectors:
- Food and Agriculture
- Building and Construction
- Information Communication Technology
- Chemicals and Textiles
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Health and Safety
- Environment
- General and Services
See the full Standards Catalogue. Standards Catalogue.
What is a Standard?
Standards are the outcome of a consultative process involving the experience and knowledge of interested parties — key industry stakeholders, consumers and their relevant associations, academic and research institutions, government ministries and regulators — who are brought together to agree on the technical contents of a standard through consensus.
They are developed on a need basis, and the need for a new standard can be initiated by industry stakeholders, an individual, a manufacturer, or a government institution through a standards proposal.
Standards are designed for voluntary use and do not impose any regulations. However, laws and regulations may reference certain standards and make compliance with them mandatory.
Benefits of Standards
- Increased profitability through cost reduction and increased sales.
- Ensure consumers are protected from hazards to their health and safety.
- Inspire trust and consumer confidence in your business.
- Assist businesses in meeting regulatory requirements and provide access to national and international markets.
- Create a competitive advantage by improving the quality of goods and services.
Standards Development Process
The Standards Development Process follows 9 stages — from an early idea to a published Eswatini National Standard.
Preliminary Stage
An opportunity to introduce proposals (Preliminary Work Items, or PWIs) for projects that are not yet mature enough for processing — for example, an emerging-technology standard for which no reference document yet exists.
Proposal Stage
ESWASA / SAC receives — and accepts or rejects — a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) for: a new standard, a new part of an existing standard, a revision, or an amendment.
Preparatory Stage
Preparation of a Working Draft (WD), if necessary. The stage concludes when the first Committee Draft (CD) is available for submission to the full Technical Committee or Sub-Committee.
Committee Stage
Comments from members are received, consensus is built and voting is requested for progression of the draft to the Enquiry stage. The cycle may repeat if the CD needs further significant development.
Enquiry Stage
Comments are sought from individuals or organisations not participating directly in the ESWASA committee — i.e. from the wider public. Availability of the text for enquiry is notified to the appropriate authorities. Public review allows stakeholders and the public to review draft standards and submit comments before approval, ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, consensus, and national relevance.
Disposal of Comments Stage
Within 30 days of the end of the voting period, the Committee Secretariat prepares a report indicating comments received and the response on each. Every attempt is made to resolve negative votes.
within 30 daysApproval Stage
The ESWASA Standards Approvals Committee (SAC) reviews the Final Draft Standard (FDS) on technical grounds and determines whether it may advance to publication.
Endorsement Stage
Final approval as an Eswatini National Standard rests with the ESWASA Council. The availability of the approved standard is notified in the Government Gazette.
≤ 30 daysPublication Stage
Once endorsed by the ESWASA Council, the text is ready for publication as a published Eswatini National Standard (SZNS).
≤ 60 daysSubmitting a Standards Proposal
To propose a new standard or revision of an existing SZNS, please:
- Complete the official Standards Development Proposal Form — either the downloadable form below, or via the online portal: tc.eswasa.co.sz/proposal.php
- Email the completed form to standards@eswasa.co.sz or info@eswasa.co.sz
Note: Proposals should include the title and scope of the standard, socio-economic impacts, intended uses, and justification. Priority is given to standards supporting national priorities (e.g. food security, infrastructure, MSME competitiveness, emerging technologies).
Explore Standards Services
Beyond developing standards, ESWASA runs Technical Committees, publishes Work Programmes, and sells national and international standards. Each has its own dedicated page.
Information Centre
About the Information Centre
The Information Unit holds the database of:
- Information on technical specifications to manufacturers and traders.
- Information relating to national, regional and international standards.
- Information to exporters and importers on the technical regulations and requirements of importing and exporting countries.
- Information on ESWASA Certified Products and Services.
Students, researchers, industry professionals and the general public are welcome to make use of our centre.
AfCFTA Annex 6 — Technical Barriers to Trade
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Annex 6 on Technical Barriers to Trade facilitates trade through cooperation in the areas of standards, technical regulations, conformity assessment, accreditation and metrology.
National Enquiry Point (WTO/TBT)
ESWASA serves as the National Enquiry Point (NEP) for Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT) information. ESWASA receives notifications on technical regulations from the WTO and disseminates them to stakeholders.
Get Involved in Standards Development
Contact our Standards Unit, register for a Technical Committee, or purchase a standard online.
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