The proposed Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme has been suspended following further consultation between the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), industry stakeholders and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
For businesses importing goods into South Africa, this means that the proposed compliance requirements will not be implemented at this stage, and existing import processes remain unchanged.
As South Africa’s trade and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, understanding what the proposed programme involved—and what the recent suspension means—is important for importers planning future shipments.
What is the Proposed PVoC Programme?
The Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme was introduced by the SABS and the dtic to strengthen product compliance by ensuring certain imported products are tested and verified against applicable South African National Standards (SANS) before they are exported to South Africa.
The programme was initially intended to apply to selected high-risk, unregulated consumer products imported from the People’s Republic of China.
Under the proposed framework, qualifying products would undergo inspection and laboratory testing in the country of origin. Once compliance had been confirmed, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) would be issued and presented to SARS Customs before the goods could be cleared for import into South Africa.
The programme was designed to:
- Prevent unsafe and non-compliant products from entering the South African market.
- Reduce counterfeit and sub-standard goods.
- Improve customs and border processing efficiency.
- Support compliance with applicable South African National Standards (SANS).
Original Implementation Timeline
When the programme was first announced, the implementation plan included:
| Date | Milestone |
| 20 March 2026 | Voluntary Phase 1 Pilot Programme commenced. |
| 20 September 2026 | Mandatory implementation planned for qualifying products. |
| 25 June 2026 | Programme suspended pending further consultation. |
How the Proposed Process Would Have Worked
Under the original proposal:
- Exporters would register with the China Certification & Inspection Group (CCIC), the inspection body appointed by SABS.
- CCIC would conduct product inspections and laboratory testing in China.
- A Product Certificate and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) would be issued for compliant products.
- The CoC would accompany the shipment and be presented to SARS Customs during import clearance into South Africa.
What Has Changed?
On 25 June 2026, the SABS and the dtic announced that the proposed PVoC Programme had been suspended with immediate effect.
The decision follows feedback received from industry stakeholders and the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a result, all implementation, operational readiness activities, exporter onboarding, inspections and certification processes have been placed on hold while further consultation takes place.
What This Means for Importers
For now, importers can continue operating under the current regulatory framework.
The suspension means:
- No exporter registration is required under the proposed PVoC Programme.
- Product inspections and testing under the proposed framework will not proceed at this stage.
- Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) are not currently required under the suspended programme.
- Existing South African customs, regulatory and import requirements remain fully applicable.
- Current shipping, customs and compliance processes remain unchanged.
Businesses with shipments already planned or currently in transit do not need to make changes based on the proposed PVoC requirements.
Products Originally Excluded
The original proposal did not apply to:
- Products already regulated by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) or other regulatory authorities.
- Small quantities imported for personal, non-commercial use.
Looking Ahead
While the proposed programme has been suspended, it has not been cancelled.
The SABS and the dtic have confirmed that stakeholder consultations will continue as they review the implementation framework. Authorities have also indicated that any future implementation may consider expanding the programme beyond imports from China to ensure alignment with international trade obligations and international best practice.
Although no immediate action is required, businesses should continue monitoring developments, as revised requirements may be introduced following the consultation process.
How Ziegler South Africa Can Help
International trade regulations continue to evolve, making it increasingly important for importers to stay informed and prepared.
At Ziegler South Africa, we closely monitor developments that may affect international trade and customs compliance. Our team is available to assist clients with import requirements, customs guidance, HS code classification and supply chain planning.
We will continue to monitor the PVoC consultation process and provide updates as new information becomes available.
If you have any questions about how this development may affect your imports, or require guidance on customs and compliance matters, please don’t hesitate to contact the Ziegler South Africa team.
Last Updated: 29 June 2026
This article will be updated as further information becomes available from the SABS and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).