South Africa Celebrates World Standards Day 2025
Pretoria, October 14, 2025 — The South African Bureau of Standards hosted the 2025 World Standards Day Celebration under the theme “Standards Empowering Growth: From Committees to Communities“, aligned with the 2025 global theme Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
On this special occasion, Dr. Elsie Meintjies, Chairperson of SABS Technical Committee TC 0040 Essential Oils, delivered a keynote presentation during the launch of the newly published SANS 2341: 2025 Essential Oil of Lippia javanica. After highlighting South Africa’s rich biodiversity, home to over 21,000 plant species, and increasing global consumer demand for natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced products, Dr. Meintjies shared a brief technical overview of the contents of standards and reflected on the collaborative process behind its development.
Dr. Meintjies also noted how the promotion of standards for oils produced from indigenous plants such as Baobab, Rose Geranium, Marula, and Lippia javanica, with a plethora of traditional uses rooted in African culture, now support an increasingly thriving essential and vegetable oils industry.
The keynote presentation underscored the vital role of ISO and AOAC test methods, included in the product standards confirming the physical and chemical profile of the oil. Such standards are instrumental in empowering rural communities and especially women, providing economic opportunities and opening access to new markets. Moreover, Dr. Meintjies highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving SDG 17 and supporting sustainable development by leveraging the services of the quality infrastructure institutions and the supporting associations.
The Global Standards and Quality Programme, funded by SECO, in cooperation with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and implemented by UNIDO, continues to collaborate with SABS to develop South African national standards for Kalahari melon, Cape chamomile, and Helichrysum oils.
The 2-day celebrations at SABS on the occasion of World Standards Day showcases how South Africa continues to lead by example, developing standards that empower communities, foster industry growth, and contribute to sustainable development.
Contact: Mr. Bernard Bau, Project Manager, GQSP-South Africa, Email: B.Bau@unido.org
