Ensuring smooth export to Africa with SGS
Navigating the complexities of export regulations can be challenging for businesses looking to enter African markets. At SGS, we specialize in helping companies comply with these regulations by offering certification services and expert guidance. With nearly a decade of experience, Annecarlijn de Brouwer-de Vries, Account Manager – Trade Facilitation Services (TFS) at SGS, supports businesses in obtaining the necessary certifications to ensure seamless export to African destinations.
Annecarlijn was recently interviewed by the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC), where she shared her expertise on the challenges and solutions that help companies comply with export regulations to Africa. As a long-term strategic partner of the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC), SGS collaborates closely with NABC to support exporters in meeting regulatory requirements and expanding their presence in African markets.
The importance of Product Conformity Assessment
Export certification is a crucial step for businesses entering African markets, as local governments have established specific regulations for a wide range of products. These requirements are enforced through Product Conformity Assessment programs, which mandate a Certificate of Conformity for each shipment.
"Exporters to Africa must comply with these regulations, which can sometimes be a complex process. At SGS, we not only certify products but also guide businesses through the intricate requirements and ensure that they meet all necessary standards," explains Annecarlijn.
Ensuring compliance with these standards guarantees high levels of product quality, safety, and environmental adherence. This process is essential for market access and reassures local customers about product reliability.
“For instance, the Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has a thorough Product Conformity Assessment program that requires extensive documentation. Local authorities prioritize protecting businesses and consumers, which means stricter regulations for exporters. While this presents challenges, it ultimately ensures that only high-quality products enter the market.”
How SGS supports businesses in compliance
With an extensive global network of 2,500 offices and laboratories, SGS provides the expertise and local knowledge required to ensure product compliance. Our services help exporters avoid costly delays and non-compliance penalties.
Annecarlijn highlights the adaptability of the certification process to evolving challenges: “Our inspections can be physical or digital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SGS introduced digital inspections, enabling remote product verification through an app.”
“As Vencomatic, we value the accessibility and personal communication with our SGS contact person. Lacking in-house specialists on export regulations, we appreciate the ease of addressing such issues with SGS. Their support has been excellent, whether resolving technical problems with the SGS portal or assisting our client in Cameroon with import documents. Together with SGS, we identified and resolved duplicate certificates. This solution saves us both time and costs by reducing unnecessary certificates and inspections.”
Webinar: Export to East Africa
To provide further insights into export certification, SGS is hosting a free webinar titled “Export to East Africa” on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM CEST. This session will explore the evolving export landscape in East Africa and discuss strategies to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Webinar agenda:
- Introduction to SGS Connectivity & Products
- Product Conformity Assessment Process
- Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania PVOC Programs
- Obtaining a Certificate of Conformity
- EAC-Ready Certification
- Q&A Session
SGS experts Annecarlijn de Brouwer and Leroy Alessie will share their knowledge on trade compliance and certification. The session is ideal for companies, exporters, manufacturers, and traders aiming to expand into East Africa.
If you can't attend the live session, register now to receive a complimentary recording after the event. For more information and registration, contact us.
Partnering with SGS for export success
By working with SGS, businesses can confidently meet Africa’s stringent regulatory requirements, gain smooth market access, and contribute to consumer safety. Our expertise in certification and regulatory navigation makes us a trusted partner for exporters worldwide.
“SGS is a great partner for Koudijs Animal Nutrition B.V. to work with. When we hear about problems from our destination countries in Africa, SGS always thinks along and helps. Because we have a Route C license with SGS, we can easily apply for the required certificates of conformity and an inspection is not necessary for every shipment. We are very satisfied with our contacts at SGS in the Netherlands. Our wish is that we can work with SGS for all African countries.” – Koudijs Animal Nutrition B.V.
Discover how SGS can support your export journey with our Product Compliance Program.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
