Global service network

South African National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)

1. 01Check whether the product falls under a compulsory specification (electrical, some machinery and pressure equipment)
2. 02The local importer or agent applies to the NRCS for a Letter of Authority (LOA)
3. 03Submit test reports and a declaration of conformity; sample testing may be required
4. 04Clear customs with the LOA and commercial documents; check emission and safety marking for non-road machinery

South Africa does not run pre-shipment conformity for all construction machinery; controls focus on electrical products, some pressure equipment and specific machines. Have the local importer confirm the compulsory specification for the HS code before shipping.

Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)

1. 01Confirm whether the product is on the TBS pre-shipment verification list
2. 02An authorised body inspects and issues the CoC
3. 03Clear with the CoC; goods without it may be rejected or returned
4. 04Used equipment needs age and condition statements; some categories carry age limits

TBS PVoC covers many mechanical and electrical products, with inspection before shipment. For used machinery, declare age, condition and safety devices, and agree who bears the risk if the CoC is refused.

Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)

1. 01Check whether the product is in the G-CAP controlled list
2. 02Apply with proforma invoice, test reports and packing list
3. 03Obtain the CoC, required for customs clearance
4. 04Used equipment also needs a condition report and safety device list

G-CAP is run by the Ghana Standards Authority and covers electronics, machinery and building materials. Goods without a CoC may be detained at Tema and Takoradi, so confirm the inspection body and sampling before booking.

Ivorian Ministry of Trade and Industry

1. 01Confirm whether the product is on the VoC controlled list
2. 02An authorised body inspects before shipment and issues the certificate
3. 03Clear with the certificate; otherwise re-inspection or return may follow
4. 04Documents are mainly in French; invoice, packing list and B/L must match

Côte d'Ivoire applies conformity verification to some imports; whether machinery is covered depends on HS code and use. Francophone West Africa generally requires French documents, so prepare translations and verify consignee details early.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

1. 01Obtain the Product Certificate (PC1 single shipment 6 months, PC2/PC3 one year)
2. 02Importer applies for Form M with the PC (valid 180 days)
3. 03Apply for the shipment certificate SC before loading, used for customs clearance
4. 04Model, HS code and quantity must match across PC, Form M, invoice, packing list, B/L and SC

Since 27 March 2026, Form M, certification and clearance verification run through the single window (NSW); the CISS fee was replaced by a 4% FOB FCS levy. Confirm current rules with SON.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

1. 01Check whether the HS code is under the PVoC controlled list
2. 02Submit test reports, invoice and packing list for pre-shipment verification
3. 03Obtain the CoC and present it to KEBS and customs on arrival
4. 04Complete the ACD pre-declaration before loading; the reference must appear on the B/L

KEBS has run PVoC since 2005; from August 2026 container imports need an ACD filed before loading. Kenyan rules require local insurance, so quotes usually use CFR or FOB rather than CIF.

TBS / UNBS / ZABS

1. 01Confirm the controlled scope with the destination standards body
2. 02Pre-shipment inspection and CoC issued per shipment
3. 03Clear with the CoC on arrival; missing certificates risk detention or return

All three follow the same PVoC framework as Kenya with different details and fees; used machinery is also controlled and needs year and condition records.

Egyptian General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC)

1. 01Factory registration with GOEIC (registration valid one year)
2. 02Pre-declare sea shipments in Nafeza to obtain the 19-digit ACID
3. 03Apply for the pre-shipment inspection certificate COI with the ACID
4. 04Nameplates and packaging must be labelled in Arabic and English

Egypt uses 220V/50Hz; inconsistent documents or a missing ACID cause port storage costs. Confirm the controlled list with the latest GOEIC notice.

Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise (ECAE)

1. 01Check whether the product is on the import control list
2. 02Inspect before loading and obtain a COC; one certificate per shipment, not reusable
3. 03The certificate is valid 90 days; clear within that window

Certificates usually cannot be issued after departure, and used equipment is also covered; allow time for inspection when booking.

Ministry of Commerce / General Administration of Customs

1. 01Check the HS code against dual-use and export control lists
2. 02Tunnel boring machines and specific walking excavators require a licence
3. 03Used exports need the original invoice, service records and nameplate photos

An October 2026 MOFCOM and GACC notice brought certain tunnel boring machines and walking excavators under export control; confirm scope with the notice and customs classification.

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)

1. 01Check whether the product is covered by a compulsory Ugandan standard
2. 02An UNBS-approved agency inspects before shipment and issues a CoC
3. 03On arrival, apply for the Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) through the UNBS import portal
4. 04Collect cargo with the ICC and commercial documents; shipments without it may be held or returned

Since July 2025 Uganda runs an import inspection portal linked to the customs system, with the ICC issued automatically once clearance is completed; the PVoC CoC remains mandatory. Controlled products follow the compulsory standards published by UNBS, and used machinery also needs to meet age and safety marking rules.

Cameroon Standards and Quality Agency (ANOR)

1. 01Confirm whether the product is on the pre-shipment conformity list
2. 02An authorised agency inspects in the country of supply and issues a CoC
3. 03Clear customs with the CoC; Douala port checks document consistency closely

Cameroon applies PVoC to regulated imports and requires a CoC for clearance; French documents are standard and the description must match across invoice, packing list and bill of lading. Scope and exemptions follow ANOR publications, with electrical and pressure components on machinery most often asked for conformity papers.

Authorised inspection agencies under the Gabon PVoC programme

1. 01Check the controlled list for CoC requirements; the authority publishes the scope
2. 02Apply for pre-shipment inspection and book freight once the CoC is issued
3. 03Present the CoC with French documents at Libreville and Port-Gentil

Gabon runs pre-shipment conformity verification, and regulated cargo without a CoC may be refused clearance; port and inland handling slow noticeably in the rainy season, so allow two to three weeks of buffer in contracts. The current controlled list follows the latest notices from the Gabonese authorities.

Authorised inspection agencies under the Morocco PVoC programme

1. 01Check whether the product is regulated, using notices from the industry and trade authority
2. 02Complete pre-shipment inspection and obtain a CoC to clear at Casablanca and other ports
3. 03Documents are mainly in French, with Arabic labelling where required

Morocco applies pre-shipment conformity verification to some industrial imports with CoCs issued by authorised agencies; for machinery the focus is safety marking plus noise and emission labels. The controlled list and exemptions follow Moroccan authority publications.

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) / National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)

1. 01Check whether the product sits on the proposed 25-category list of non-regulated goods (furniture, cookware, cosmetics and solar panels in phase one)
2. 02Most construction machinery falls outside that list and stays under NRCS compulsory specifications and normal customs rules
3. 03The SABS paused the scheme in June 2026; registration and certification are suspended with no restart date announced
4. 04Have the South African importer confirm current requirements with the SABS and NRCS in writing; do not rely on third-party claims

In May 2026 South Africa notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/ZAF/273) of pre-shipment verification for certain non-regulated Chinese imports, planned for 20 September 2026 and paused in June 2026. It is separate from NRCS compulsory specifications, which are unaffected. Status follows authority notices.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

1. 01Route A: shipment-by-shipment inspection, suited to first exports or occasional orders; testing and inspection per consignment before the CoC
2. 02Route B: product registration for stable models and standards, with reduced inspection frequency
3. 03Route C: product licensing with factory audit and system assessment, suited to long-term volume supply
4. 04All three routes require pre-shipment verification and a CoC from an authorised body, presented to KEBS and customs on arrival

Kenya revised PVoC routes from 2022, retiring some exemption and simplified routes; a new list of authorised inspection bodies applies from March 2026 and container cargo needs an ACD pre-declaration before loading from August 2026. Choose the route on shipment frequency and model stability, then weigh one-off costs.

Angolan National Institute for Standardisation and Quality (CNCA)

1. 01Check whether the equipment is in the regulated list and confirm the HS code
2. 02An authorised body inspects before shipment and issues the certificate
3. 03Clear with the certificate and commercial documents; used machinery needs a condition and safety statement

Angola applies pre-shipment conformity for selected imports; the list and appointed bodies follow CNCA publications. Clearance practice can differ between Luanda and Lobito, so confirm per shipment.

Mozambique National Institute of Standardisation and Quality (INNOQ)

1. 01Check the PVoC list and the applicable standard
2. 02Inspect before shipment with an authorised body and issue the CoC
3. 03Clear with the CoC; transit cargo to Zimbabwe or Zambia needs transit documents

Entry is mainly via Beira, Maputo and Nacala, with PVoC inspection usually completed before shipment. For used machinery, age and safety device statements are the focus.

Senegalese Standards Association (ASN)

1. 01Confirm the regulated list and the applicable certificate
2. 02Complete inspection before shipment; ship only after the CoC is issued
3. 03Dakar clearance requires the CoC, invoice, packing list and bill of lading

Senegal applies pre-shipment verification to selected imports. Dakar also serves as a regional hub, so documents for Mali or Mauritania must show the final destination.

Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)

1. 01Check the applicable standard and whether a batch certificate is needed
2. 02Submit test reports and a declaration; sampling may be required
3. 03Cargo routed via Beira or Dar es Salaam also needs transit documents

Zambia imports most mining equipment and parts. With projects concentrated in the Copperbelt, confirm the applicable ZABS standard and site acceptance requirements with the owner before shipping.

Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ)

1. 01Check the applicable standard and whether a batch certificate is required
2. 02Submit test reports and a declaration; sampling as required
3. 03Cargo via Beira or Mozambican ports also needs transit documents

Zimbabwean mining and infrastructure projects usually involve local agents, and equipment imports are tied to project contracts. Confirm the owner's additional requirements on standards, parts and service before shipping.

Rwanda Standards Board (RSB)

1. 01Confirm whether the product is on the mandatory list; machinery is checked mainly for electrical safety and noise
2. 02The Rwandan importer applies with test reports and a declaration of conformity
3. 03Expect random inspection on arrival; have a model list matching the invoice

Rwanda is moving to electronic declarations for imported equipment; register online before shipment.

Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)

1. 01Check the applicable Botswana standard number and mandatory scope
2. 02Provide third-party test reports, manuals and safety label artwork
3. 03Clear through the Southern African Customs Union and check NRCS requirements for onward movement

Equipment transiting South Africa into Botswana must meet South African compulsory specifications as well as local standards.

Namibia Standards Institution (NSI)

1. 01Check whether the equipment falls under mandatory inspection, usually classified by use and power
2. 02Submit the declaration of conformity and test reports; local agents may need to supply samples
3. 03At Walvis Bay clearance keep nameplate, hours and invoice models consistent

Namibia asks for detailed condition records on used machinery; attach inspection reports.

Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS)

1. 01Check mandatory certification scope; for machinery it centres on safety and emissions
2. 02Importer applies with test reports, packing list and invoice
3. 03Cargo usually transits Beira or Dar es Salaam; keep transit documents aligned with destination clearance

Landlocked clearance takes longer; build certification and transit time into quoted lead times.

Office Congolais de Contrôle (OCC)

1. 01Apply for pre-shipment inspection and clear with the resulting certificate
2. 02Provide invoice, packing list, test reports and nameplate photos
3. 03Entry via Matadi or Dar es Salaam; onward transfer to Katanga needs separate formalities

Enforcement varies by border post; confirm current requirements with a local agent.

Sierra Leone Standards Bureau (SLSB)

1. 01Check whether the goods are on the mandatory conformity list
2. 02Submit application, invoice and test reports, then arrange pre-shipment inspection
3. 03Clear at Freetown with the certificate; watch port storage time

Port productivity drops in the rains; avoid concentrated arrivals between July and September.

Algerian Institute of Standardization (IANOR) and authorised inspection bodies

1. 01Check whether the product is on the pre-shipment inspection list and note the relevant standard
2. 02The exporter appoints an authorised body for document review and testing
3. 03Ship with the certificate, commercial documents and French technical files

Algeria applies pre-shipment inspection to a range of imports, and both the list and authorised bodies change. For machinery, also check French nameplates, technical files and spare parts declaration. Confirm against the latest official notice.

Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organisation (SSMO)

1. 01Check whether the product is on the SSMO regulated list
2. 02An authorised body inspects before shipment and issues a certificate
3. 03Submit the certificate, invoice and packing list for clearance on arrival

Inspection arrangements and available bodies in Sudan are sensitive to local conditions. Before shipping, confirm with the destination agent which inspection and clearance route currently works.

National Institute of Standardisation and Industrial Property (INNORPI)

1. 01Identify the Tunisian standard and whether inspection is mandatory
2. 02Prepare technical files, test reports and Arabic or French labels
3. 03Inspection on arrival, then clearance and release

Tunisia inspects a range of imports, with labels and manuals usually needed in Arabic or French. Noise, guarding and electrical safety marking are common checkpoints; the list follows INNORPI notices.

Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB)

1. 01Confirm whether mandatory standards apply and note the reference
2. 02Prepare test reports and a declaration; apply for a permit if required
3. 03Submit documents on arrival and complete checks with customs and the MSB

Mauritius is a small but well regulated market; electrical and pressure equipment usually needs test reports. Island logistics rely on containers, so confirm lift capacity for heavy units.

Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS)

1. 01Confirm whether mandatory standards or permits apply
2. 02The local importer submits technical files and a declaration
3. 03Clear after inspection and plan island transhipment

Seychelles imports depend on sea freight and transhipment; send documents to the local agent early. For machinery, settle local spare parts and warranty support before deciding shipment batches.

AfCFTA Secretariat and member customs authorities

1. 01Check whether the product and destination qualify under the agreement's tariff schedules
2. 02Assess regional content under the rules of origin and keep sourcing records
3. 03The exporter issues an origin declaration with the invoice and keeps supporting records

AfCFTA tariff concessions and rules of origin roll out at different speeds per member, so the same product may be treated differently by destination. Confirm the current position with the destination customs or agent before shipping.