South Africa is moving to tighten oversight on imported goods, introducing new certification requirements for a range of products entering the country from China.
The policy shift comes as authorities respond to growing concerns over the quality and safety of certain imported items that fall outside existing regulatory frameworks.
New certification system targets unregulated goods
According to a government gazette issued by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), selected categories of “unregulated” products will now require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before they can be imported.
These certificates must confirm compliance with South African National Standards (SANS) or other recognised benchmarks and, notably, must be obtained before goods are exported from China.
The move represents a significant change in enforcement, effectively shifting part of the compliance process offshore. South African authorities will work with Chinese certification bodies, including the China Certification & Inspection Group (CCIC), to facilitate inspections and approvals.
Enforcement at local entry points will be handled by the Border Management Agency (BMA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), ensuring that only certified goods are allowed into the country.
Products likely to fall under the new requirements include clothing, textiles, footwear, leather goods, handbags, toys, baby products, and kitchenware — categories that have seen strong growth in imports in recent years.
For example, baby clothing sold in South Africa must comply with strict labelling rules, including accurate fibre composition, care instructions, and safety warnings. Authorities have raised concerns that some imported items do not consistently meet these standards.
E-commerce players face new compliance challenges
The introduction of certification requirements is expected to affect a wide range of businesses, including major cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein.
These companies have rapidly expanded their footprint in South Africa by leveraging direct-to-consumer models that bypass traditional retail supply chains. This approach has allowed them to offer competitive pricing and a wide product selection.
Research from World Wide Worx estimates that by 2024, the two platforms had generated combined sales of approximately R7.3 billion in South Africa, accounting for around 40% of online sales in key categories such as clothing and footwear.
However, the new rules introduce additional compliance steps that could slow down operations. Products will need to be inspected and certified before leaving China, potentially increasing costs and lead times.
Despite their rapid growth, Temu and Shein still represent less than 10% of total imports in these categories. Official data from SARS shows that imports of clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather goods reached R92 billion in 2024, highlighting the scale of the broader market.
The DTIC has provided a six-month transition period, with the new requirements set to take effect on 20 September 2026. This timeline is intended to align with South Africa’s obligations under World Trade Organization rules, allowing businesses sufficient time to adjust.
The policy reflects a broader effort by South African authorities to strengthen consumer protection while balancing the benefits of global trade with the need to support domestic industries.
As global e-commerce continues to reshape retail patterns, regulatory frameworks are evolving to address new challenges in quality control and market fairness.
Source:mybroadband
