We are pleased to inform public authorities and economic operators that the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR), through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has renewed our mandate to deliver pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) services for an additional five-year period, effective March 2026.
The renewal of our mandate reaffirms the continued implementation of the PVoC program and highlights its essential role in ensuring import compliance in the CAR. It also reflects the continued commitment of the Central African authorities to strengthening:
- Consumer safety
- Compliance with national and international standards
- The quality of products placed on the market
- The facilitation and smoother flow of trade
For importers, the renewal signifies that:
- The PVoC program remains mandatory for all regulated products exported to the CAR
- Pre-shipment verification, inspection and certification services will continue to be delivered through our global network.
- Certificates of conformity (CoC) issued by us remain a mandatory requirement for customs clearance
We remain committed to supporting importers by delivering reliable, transparent and efficient services, helping to reduce delays, minimize additional costs and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
PVoC strengthening
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has further strengthened the PVoC program to enhance import control and ensure regulatory compliance. The renewed program requires that all products classified under Chapters 02 to 99 of the Harmonized System are subject to mandatory certification through a CoC, based on the date of the bill of lading, air waybill (AWB) or road transport document.
Through the implementation of an advanced electronic data exchange system, key certification data is now automatically integrated into the customs management system at the time of CoC issuance. This enables seamless reconciliation between the declared goods and those that have been certified by us. Shipments of products subject to PVoC and shipped without a valid CoC will be systematically blocked from customs clearance, and in accordance with Article 221 of Law 16.006 of December 30, 2016, violations may result in penalties ranging from XAF 300,000 to XAF 25,000,000.
Additionally, products identified as non-compliant or deemed unfit for consumption may be subject to destruction or re-export by the competent authorities, at the importer's expense.
Pricing structure
| Route | Ad valorem fee on free on board (FOB) value | Minimum fee (Euros) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 0.50% | 300 |
| B | 0.45% | 300 |
| C | 0.35% | 300 |
Fees do not include:
- Laboratory tests
- Manufacturer's license
- Registration fees
- Bulk shipment sampling
- Reinspection
Our commitment
We remain dedicated to supporting the CAR in strengthening trade facilitation through close collaboration with relevant administrations and operators, by leveraging:
- Skilled and experienced local teams
- Recognized technical expertise
- Innovative digital solutions tailored to the evolving needs of international trade
For information on PVoC products or applicable procedures, please contact your local SGS office or consult our official channels.
Learn more about the Central African Republic (CAR) – Pre-Verification of Conformity of Imported Goods.
This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q2/2026), which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.
Read more PCA articles (Q2/2026)
- Turn ACI Compliance into a Competitive Advantage for African Shipments
- Your Path to BIS Compliance and Market Entry in India
- A Decade of PVoC Partnership, Trust and Commitment to Gabon
You can read more articles in our previous editions in the PCA Newsletter Library
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