South Africa has placed its proposed import certification programme for selected Chinese products on hold following feedback received through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and consultations with Chinese diplomatic representatives and industry stakeholders.
The decision was confirmed by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), which said additional consultations are required before the proposed framework can move forward.
The initiative, known as the Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme, was introduced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) earlier this year as part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve product quality in the domestic market.
Proposed Rules Target Selected Consumer Goods
The proposed framework would require certain imported products that are not currently covered by compulsory South African technical regulations to obtain a Certificate of Conformity before leaving the exporting country.
The certification would confirm compliance with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) or other internationally recognised standards.
Products expected to fall within the programme include clothing, textiles, footwear, leather goods, handbags, toys, baby products and kitchenware—many of which are imported from China.
Under the proposal, inspections and certification would take place before shipment, while South Africa’s Border Management Agency and the South African Revenue Service would oversee compliance once goods entered the country.
Government officials previously argued that the programme would improve product quality, strengthen consumer confidence and help ensure fair competition for businesses complying with local standards.
WTO Process Delays Planned Rollout
The DTIC originally proposed that the new requirements would come into effect on 20 September 2026, following a six-month preparation period for exporters and importers.
However, SABS said the implementation timetable has now been suspended while South Africa completes its obligations under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
According to the standards authority, comments received from WTO members, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, businesses and other stakeholders will be reviewed before any final decision is made.
As a result, exporter registration, onboarding, product inspections, certification activities and implementation planning have all been paused until further notice.
Importantly, existing customs procedures, import regulations and product compliance requirements remain fully in force and continue to apply to all imported goods.
Acting SABS Chief Executive Officer Blake Mosley-Lefatola said the pause demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that any future regulatory framework is consistent with its international trade obligations while remaining practical for businesses.
He added that the consultation process had generated valuable feedback and that extending the review period would help develop a transparent, balanced and workable system.
SABS has encouraged manufacturers, importers, exporters and industry organisations to continue submitting comments during the review process.
The agency said its long-term objective remains unchanged: creating an import compliance framework that protects consumers, supports fair competition, strengthens regulatory enforcement and facilitates legitimate international trade.
Source: South African Bureau of Standards (SABS); Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)