Certifications Needed for Exporting to Africa

2025-06-12 16:02

1. SABS (South African Bureau of Standards)

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SABS certification is a product certification issued by the South African Bureau of Standards for products entering the South African market. Its primary role is to ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.

· Key Features:

○ Mandatory for certain product categories.

○ Ensures products meet safety, quality, and performance criteria.

○ Applies to eight major sectors: chemicals, biomedical products, fibers and textiles, machinery, safety equipment, electrical products, civil engineering/construction, and automotive products.

· Importance:

○ SABS certification is a critical market entry requirement for South Africa.

○ Issued by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), it validates compliance with national standards and protects consumer health, safety, and the environment.

2. ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa)

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ICASA certification is a mandatory requirement for wireless communication devices and telecom terminal equipment in South Africa.

3.NTRA (National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, Egypt)​

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All telecommunications equipment used in Egypt must undergo NTRA type approval, including terminals, radio communication devices, and IT equipment.

4. PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity)​

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· Definition: A mandatory certification system requiring products to comply with technical regulations and standards. Certification involves issuing a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), not a physical mark.

· Scope: Applies to 14 categories of regulated goods, including electronics, toys, automobiles, food, etc., in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and other East African Community (EAC) nations. Specific requirements vary by country.

· Three Pathways:

○ Route A: Physical inspection and testing for sporadic exports of sensitive goods.

○ Route B: Registration and sampling for regularly exported products.

○ Route C: Product licensing and periodic audits for high-volume, regular exports.

· Impact:

○ Goods without a CoC face import bans or heavy fines.

○ Ensures quality, safety, and facilitates trade in the EAC region.

5. CBCA (Zimbabwe Commercial Compliance Bureau Certificate)​

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· Requirements:

○ Mandatory certification for all exports to Zimbabwe before shipment.

○ Validated by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

· Scope: The certified products mainly include toys, electrical and electronic products, chemical products, automotive parts, building materials, medical devices, and furniture, etc.

6. SONCAP (Standard Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme)

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· Objective: Ensures imports meet Nigerian or international standards.

· Mandatory for: Toys, electronics, chemicals, auto parts, building materials, medical devices, furniture, etc.

· Two-Stage Process:

1. Product Certification: Valid for up to 3 years for first-time exporters of specific product categories.

2. SONCAP Certification: Required for each shipment. Without it, customs clearance is delayed or denied.

· Note: SONCAP does not replace other import procedures (e.g., pre-shipment inspections).

7. CNCA (Angola Civil Navigation Certificate)​

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· Purpose: Mandatory shipping certificate for all goods exported to Angola, to ensure that imported goods comply with Angola's safety and quality standards, thereby promoting compliance and transparency of the goods.

· Requirements:

○ Valid BV inspection and CNCA certificate required for customs clearance.

○ Failure to comply results in a $8,000 fine per container if processed retroactively in Angola.

8. ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)​

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· Definition: A compliance document tracking cargo from shipment to delivery. Not a certification but a mandatory customs requirement.

· Applicable Countries: Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, South Sudan, Guinea, etc.

· Penalties: Missing ECTN leads to cargo rejection or significant fines.

Summary:
These certifications and compliance frameworks are critical for accessing African markets. Exporters must prioritize understanding regional requirements to avoid delays, penalties, or market exclusion.