What is PVOC certification? Which countries require PVOC certification? Inspection and factory certification services

PVOC (Post-Variation Compliance Verification) is a mandatory inspection and certification system implemented in many African countries. Its purpose is to ensure that imported goods meet the quality and safety standards of the destination country through pre-shipment product verification. This certification needs to be carried out by authorized inspection and certification institutions and is a necessary condition for the clearance of goods. 
Purpose and scope of inspection and certification
The main purpose of PVOC inspection and certification is: 
Protecting the health and safety of consumers 
Prevent substandard products from entering the market 
Establish an effective market supervision mechanism 
Reduce trade risks through pre-inspections and factory verifications 
This inspection and certification system is applicable to multiple product categories, especially high-risk ones, including: 
Electrical and electronic equipment (household appliances, consumer electronics, etc.) 
Industrial mechanical equipment 
Building materials

Chemical products 
Children's toys and textiles 
Food and medical products 
Main Implementing Countries and Inspection Certification Characteristics
Kenya
The Kenya Standards Board (KEBS) mandates that imported goods undergo inspection and certification before shipment, obtaining a conformity certificate (CoC). The absence of this certificate will result in the goods being detained at the port. 
Tanzania
The PVOC scheme implemented by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requires that all controlled products must apply for mandatory inspection and certification before shipment, to ensure compliance with the country's national standards. 
Uganda
The pre-export conformity assessment scheme implemented by the Uganda Standards Bureau (UNBS) requires that each batch of goods must be accompanied by a product conformity certificate, which is a necessary document for customs clearance. 
Detailed Explanation of the Inspection and Certification Process
Preparatory Work 
Confirm whether the product is within the regulatory list 
Prepare complete technical documents (specifications, test reports, etc.) 
Ensure that the product complies with the relevant standards. 
Three-stage inspection and certification process 
Application and Document Review 
Submit an application to the authorized inspection and certification agency 
Provide product technical documents and test reports 
Document compliance assessment 
Product inspection and testing 
Submit samples to the approved laboratory for testing 
Conduct safety and performance tests on the product 
In some cases, on-site inspection is required. 
Issuance and Subsequent Supervision 
After approval, a conformity certificate will be issued. 
The certificate is only valid for a single batch of goods. 
Continuous exports require separate application for inspection and certification for each batch. 
Inspection and Certification Key Points and Precautions
Certificate Characteristics: PVOC certification is usually valid for a single use and each batch of goods requires a separate application. 
Time frame: The entire inspection and certification process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks to complete. 
Cost breakdown: The cost varies from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the product category and testing requirements. 
Avoiding risks: Goods that fail to pass the inspection and certification will face the risks of detention, fines or return. 
Authorized inspection and certification institutions
Well-known international inspection and certification institutions such as SGS, Intertek, and BV have been authorized to carry out PVOC inspection and certification. These institutions provide a full-process service from document review, product inspection to certificate issuance, ensuring that enterprises can smoothly meet the import requirements of the destination country. 
By establishing a comprehensive PVOC inspection and certification preparation process, enterprises can effectively reduce trade risks, ensure the smooth customs clearance of goods, and establish a good product reputation in the African market.