What it does and its significance.

Standards Development Fund was established to provide for the charging of a levy upon employers or classes of employers for the benefit of the Fund to enable it to develop and promote the standardization of commodities and services and for other related purposes. Currently there exists an information gap between the Fund, employers and other stakeholders in terms of the existence of the fund and its objectives. As an organization, our aim is to bridge the gap by raising awareness through stakeholder engagements. 

SDF is a Statutory Fund within the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Background history of SDF and its overall functions

SDF was established through the Act of Parliament Chapter 14:19 of 1987.  The Minister of Industry and Commerce is empowered to impose a levy of 0.5% of the total remuneration payable by the employer to his employees.  Payments are paid four times a year.

The overall function of the Fund is to collect a levy of 0.5% and distribute it to the beneficiaries who are involved in the development and promotion of standards and quality of goods and services.

Who are the beneficiaries of SDF?

The current beneficiaries of SDF are: Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC)  (NMI), Trade Measures, National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) and The Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS)