The PVOC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) certificate is a document required by manufacturers and exporters who wish to export products to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and various other African countries. It verifies that products meet certain quality, safety, and environmental standards before import. The PVOC system is a conformity assessment program implemented by the governments of these countries to ensure that imported products comply with local standards and to protect consumers.
This certificate is mandatory for goods to clear customs and allows products to enter the market without undergoing detailed testing after import.
Ensuring Product Safety: Guarantees that imported products do not pose a threat to human health, the environment, or consumer safety.
Protecting Local Industry: Prevents the import of low-quality and hazardous products, thereby boosting the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
Standards Compliance: Ensures imported products meet the standards set by national standards organizations such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Exporters must prepare the following documents to obtain a PVOC certificate:
Commercial Documents
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipping Documents (e.g., Bill of Lading)
Product Technical File
Documentation of the product’s technical specifications and standards
User instructions and technical explanations
Test Reports
Test reports from accredited laboratories
Example tests:
Safety tests for electrical devices (LVD, EMC, etc.)
Microbiological and chemical analyses for food products
Flammability and durability tests for textile products
Certificate of Origin
A certificate indicating the country where the product was manufactured
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
A declaration by the manufacturer or exporter stating that the product meets applicable standards
Quality Certificates
ISO 9001 or other quality management system certificates
Product Sample
A sample may be required for testing during certification
A PVOC certificate is generally mandatory for the following product categories:
Electrical and Electronic Products
Household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc.)
Information technology equipment (computers, printers, etc.)
Lighting products
Food and Agricultural Products
Processed food products
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and agricultural produce
Textiles and Apparel
Clothing, home textiles, and other textile products
Construction Materials
Cement, iron/steel products, glass, insulation materials
Toys and Children’s Products
Toys, baby products, children’s furniture
Chemical Products
Detergents, cosmetic products, paints, and adhesives
Medical and Laboratory Equipment
Medical devices, laboratory equipment
Automotive and Spare Parts
Tires, motor oils, vehicle spare parts
Product Testing
Products are tested in accredited laboratories to verify compliance with national standards.
Preparation of the Technical File
All technical information and documentation related to the product are compiled.
Application and Evaluation
Documents are submitted to an authorized certification body (e.g., Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek) under the PVOC system.
The conformity of the products is evaluated.
Inspection
Physical inspection of the product may be conducted before export.
Issuance of the PVOC Certificate
If the products are found to be compliant, the PVOC certificate is issued.
The PVOC certificate is generally mandatory in the following countries:
Kenya
Managed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Tanzania
Required by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)
Uganda
Enforced by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
Zambia
Regulated by the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)
Ghana
Required by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
Importing into these countries without a PVOC certificate is not possible.
Faster Customs Clearance:
The PVOC certificate enables quicker passage through customs.
Consumer Confidence:
Demonstrates that products meet national standards for quality and safety.
Competitive Edge:
Products with a PVOC certificate have a higher likelihood of being preferred in the market.
Legal Compliance:
Prevents legal complications during the import process.
At TTS Laboratory Services, we provide expert support for the PVOC certification process. We test your products according to international standards and assist you in preparing technical files and navigating certification procedures. With our experienced staff and modern laboratory infrastructure, we help ensure a smooth export process.
At TTS Laboratory Services, we stand by your side with our accredited analysis scope to meet your testing needs.