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URGENT NOTICE: SABS PVoC Program for certain imports from China

  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Dear Valued Client

 

Please be advised that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), together with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), has introduced a new Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program applicable to certain imported products originating from China.


The new directive was gazetted in March 2026 and introduces mandatory pre-shipment conformity verification for selected “unregulated” product categories imported into South Africa from the People’s Republic of China


Key Implementation Dates

  • Transitional phase: March 2026 – September 2026

  • Full enforcement date: 20 September 2026

After 20 September 2026, affected goods shipped from China without a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) may be delayed, detained, or denied entry into South Africa.


What is the PVoC Program?

The PVoC system requires designated products to be:

  • Tested and verified in the country of export before shipment.

  • Assessed against applicable SA National Standards (SANS) or recognised reference standards.

  • Accompanied by an approved Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued through authorised inspection bodies.

The program will initially focus on imports from China as part of a phased rollout and may later expand to additional countries and product categories.


Products Potentially Affected:

The initial scope includes various consumer and industrial goods not already regulated by the NRCS, including categories such as:

  • Electrical appliances and accessories

  • Phone chargers and electronic accessories

  • Toys and plastic products

  • Furniture and household items

  • Cookware and kitchenware

  • Generators

  • Plumbing and construction materials

  • Sporting and protective equipment

  • Cosmetics and personal care items

Importers should review Annexure A of the directive carefully to determine which products fall within scope.


Why This Matters

According to the dtic and SABS, the program aims to:

  • Improve consumer safety

  • Reduce the influx of substandard and unsafe products

  • Strengthen quality assurance at source; and

  • Create a more level playing field for compliant local manufacturers.


What Importers Should Do Now

We strongly recommend that importers:

  1. Review current product lines sourced from China with suppliers

  2. Confirm whether products fall within the PVoC scope

  3. Engage suppliers regarding testing and conformity requirements

  4. Prepare for CoC certification processes before shipment; and

  5. Update procurement and logistics timelines to accommodate compliance procedures.

 

SABS has indicated that workshops, technical guidance, and stakeholder engagement sessions will take place during the six-month transition period. For official information and program documentation, please refer to:



As this program is still new and developing, further clarification, procedural updates and implementation guidance are expected over the coming months. We encourage all importers to work closely with suppliers and relevant authorities to ensure ongoing compliance. We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as additional information becomes available.


 
 
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