How the Ivory Coast Import Market is Changing

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PCA NewslettersSeptember 12, 2024

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The structure of Ivory Coast imports has significantly changed, with vast road and bridge construction projects stimulating the appearance of new machines, devices and mechanical engines. Mining companies are also shaping trade, with an increase in exploration and exploitation permits. Alongside these changes, importers need to be aware of regulatory shifts which can affect their businesses.

Beginning with product conformity assessment (PCA), there has been an extension of the 2019 PCA program, until June 30, 2025, covering the following product categories:

Certain health, safety and environmental products
Footwear
Packaging
Pressure equipment
Toys
Construction materials
Automotive spare parts, accessories and lubricants
Food products
Cosmetic and personal hygiene products
Electrical, electronic and renewable energy products
Textiles

New energy labeling requirements

A new requirement is also in place for the labeling of new imported electric lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers which aims to ensure transparency in energy consumption levels and environmental impact. This came into effect on July 1, 2024 under custom circular 2309/MFB/DGD, and applies to importers, distributors and resellers of electric lamps, refrigerators, freezers and domestic air conditioners.

What does the breakdown of international imports to Ivory Coast look like?

In 2023, the top countries of supply of all imported goods to Ivory Coast were as follows:

Supplier countries	Value (millions of West African francs (XOF))	Value by percentage	Quantity (millions of tonnes)	Value by percentage share
China	1,695,238	15%;	1,729,017	8
Nigeria	1,602,161	14%	3,677,757	17
France	638,158	6%	561,899	3
India	595,697	5%	889,842	4
USA	446,127	4%	706,301	3
Belgium	392,669	3%	602,365	3
Germany	350,914	3%	272,723	1
Croatia	339,206	3%	31,776	0
Russia	302,522	3%	677,683	3
Morocco	258,416	2%	924,272	4
Bahamas	253,176	2%	64,438	0
Vietnam	229,028	2%	510,572	2
Netherlands	224,651	2%	251,593	1
UK	221,477	2%	123,158	1
Italy	206,259	2%	205,208	1
Türkiye	189,755	2%	394,950	2
Japan	184,659	2%	205,993	1
Spain	174,105	2%	579,135	3
Colombia	159,713	1%	451,901	2
Egypt	138,111	1%	2,326,543	11
South Korea	136,405	1%	100,166	0
Other	2,682,921	23%	5,848,838	28
Global	11 421 371	100%	21,136,131	100%

Understanding Statements of Registration and Statements of Licensure

Product registration does not replace a certificate of conformity. It is a method of registering the products you usually ship to your buyers in Ivory Coast through either a Statement of Registration (SOR) or a Statement of Licensure (SOL).

Routes to registration

The SOR, which benefits from Route B on each shipment, is recommended for frequent exporters of homogeneous products, while the SOL, which benefits from Route C, is intended for manufacturers of certified products or their official representatives. Inspections are done on a quarterly basis for SOR, and on a bi-annual basis for SOL shipments.

Holding a SOR for Route B or a SOL for Route C enables you to:

Prove the quality of your products and the reputation of your brand through the principle of rigorous registration
Achieve an economy of scale by reducing the cost of obtaining your certificates of conformity (CoC) for each shipment
Reduce the time it takes to obtain a CoC
Centralize your export operations with SGS for all your buyers in Ivory Coast. This provides better visibility for your entire operation
Benefit from a customized service relying on a dedicated contact person at SGS who knows your products and your internal processes – helping to facilitate effective communication and the speedy processing of your certification requests

Is voluntary certification appropriate for importers?

Yes, voluntary certification is suitable for importers if they can ensure their products comply with the Ivory Coast’s national standards/technical regulations. It is permitted for goods not subject to the requirements of the Verification of Conformity (VoC) program, and for shipments below the minimum threshold value.

SGS’s technical expertise and long experience help you navigate the often-complex process of product conformity.

What do we offer?

A dedicated team of professionals
A one-stop shop for all certifications worldwide
Key account management
Immediate processing of your request
Support with linking all the parties participating in the process
Customized solutions for your business
Remote inspections

Learn more about Ivory Coast – Verification of Conformity (VOC).

This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q3/2024) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.