Central African Republic (CAR) – Pre-Verification of Conformity of Imported Goods

Effective March 1, 2021, SGS is exclusively servicing the Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVoC) of Imported Goods to CAR program, acting on behalf of the Central African Republic Ministry of Commerce (CAR MOC). The CAR government launched the PVoC program to protect consumers from unsafe and below standard goods and prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for these products.

SGS will perform conformity assessment services for exporters of goods to CAR to verify and confirm that their products meet relevant national and/or international quality standards. Only those products that meet the relevant regulations and standards will be issued a Certificate of Conformity. This must be shown to the Customs agency upon shipment arrival at ports of entry, before the goods are released to the importer/consignee.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of product groups included in the program:

1. Food products and food
2. Chemicals and related products
3. Plastic and rubber products
4. Leather products
5. Wood and wood products
6. Paper and paper products
7. Textile and clothing
8. Shoes and hats
9. Construction materials, including stones and glass products
10. Metals and metal products
11. Industrial equipment and machinery
12. Mechanical products, including gas appliances
13. Electrical and electronic products
14. Telecommunications products
15. Motor vehicles and parts
16. Laboratory, scientific or metrology equipment and instruments
17. Toys and sports articles
18. Furniture and furnishings

Shipments with less than the minimum threshold FOB value of USD 1,500 for commercial (USD 3,000 for personal) are not covered by the program.

SGS is the global leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification services, with decades of experience managing conformity assessment programs worldwide. We offer efficient and comprehensive solutions delivered by a team of dedicated professionals to ensure your shipments meet the Central African Republic’s requirements.