How to Access Lucrative Markets in the Ivory Coast

With a population of over 26 million and a GDP of USD 70.04 billion in 2021, Ivory Coast remains the hub of business activities in West Africa. According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) based on statistics from the Ivory Coast National Institute of Statistics (NIS), the growth rate of the value of imported products between 2020 and 2021 is 34%.

This trend reveals the dynamism and opportunities of Ivory Coast, which recorded a value of all imported products in 2021 of USD 14 billion. The top three supply markets for all products are China (15.4%), France (9.4%) and Nigeria (9%).

To ensure the import of high-quality products for this growing market, Ivory Coast implemented a Verification of Conformity (VoC) to Standards Program in 2017, with specific products subject to the standards set by the Regulatory Authority of Ivory Coast. The VoC program came into force on July 1, 2019. The minimum threshold for a shipment to be subject to the VoC is XOF 1,000,000 or EUR 1,525.00.

To help you begin the VoC process, here’s some background and key information:

What is the purpose of the PVoC program?

The objectives of the PVoC program are:

• Improve product safety and compliance
• Facilitate customs clearance processes
• Promote fair competition
• Protect against counterfeits
• Protect consumers
• Protect the environment
• Increase transparency
• Protect trade relations and investments
• Benefit the economic environment

The VoC is a program qualified as an “Exporting Country,” i.e. the entire conformity assessment procedure must take place in the country of departure of the goods. It is strongly recommended that exporters first obtain their Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before shipping their goods to Ivory Coast.

What is the scope of the VOC program?

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Promotion of SMEs (MCIPPME) requires that imported goods into are subjected to verification of their compliance with mandatory standards, to ensure that they meet national, international, regional standards and technical regulations approved by Ivory Coast. Regulated goods, new as well as second-hand goods, intended for sale on the Ivorian market are therefore subject to VoC. The list of applicable products is available on the official website of the Ministry of Commerce

However, not all goods are subject to verification of conformity, and the MCIPPME has also published a list of exempted products:

• Gold and other precious metals
• Precious stones
• Explosives, weapons, ammunition and other war materials intended for the national armed forces and the police force
• Live animals
• Fresh vegetables and fruit
• Fresh, deep frozen and frozen fish
• Fresh, deep frozen and frozen meat
• Plants and floricultural products
• Raw products and traditional handicraft of community origin
• Drugs and raw materials used to manufacture drugs
• Newspapers and periodicals, postage and certain printed documents
• Personal effects and used household items
• Used vehicles
• Crude or partially refined petroleum
• Commercial samples
• Supplies to diplomatic and consular missions, or international organizations, imported for their own needs
• Production machines subject to, or benefiting from, exemption as part of the code of investments through a request made to the Monitoring Committee of the VOC program
• Imported equipment, goods and materials intended for petroleum and mining operations (benefiting from the advantages of the mining petroleum codes)
• Imports related to free regimes/zones

How does the VoC program work?

The exporter submits the following documents to SGS:

• Request for Certification (indicating the point of entry into Côte d'Ivoire)
• PROFORMA Invoice or Final Invoice
• Quality Management System Certification (if available)
• Conformity documents: test reports (including manufacturer's internal test reports), quality certificates, certificates of analysis (including manufacturer's internal certificates of analysis), technical data sheets, etc.
• Evidence that all requirements are met, in terms of applicable standards or technical regulations

Products must undergo one or a combination of the following verification processes:

• Documentary verification
• Physical inspection
• Laboratory testing: accepted laboratories are as follows:
• SGS laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
• Third-party ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories operating as per the ILAC guidelines
• Third party non-accredited laboratory
• Manufacturer's internal laboratory
• Factory audit

After the verification process is completed and the results are found to be satisfactory, the exporter must submit the Final Invoice and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) document containing the FDI number, importer code, and the importer's taxpayer account number for the issuance of the CoC.

What are the assessment routes?

Three methods are available to exporters, to demonstrate the compliance of their products and obtain a CoC:

• ROUTE A: applicable to all products, sensitive products and to all sellers
• ROUTE B: recommended for frequent exporters with homogeneous products. The Route B registration fee is EUR 275, regardless of the number of product lines, valid for one year
• ROUTE C: for certified products

Supply chain materials and processes should be pre-registered with the VOC program monitoring committee by the manufacturer, in order for them to be eligible for an exemption over a period of twelve months. During the operational phase of the program which begins on July 1, 2019, this is mandatory for all regulated products.

There’s also the Advance Cargo Information Program (ACI) – what’s the difference between this and VOC?

For the import of goods and merchandise to the Republic of Ivory Coast, there are two mandatory application programs, the Advance Cargo Information Program (ACI) and VoC. The ACI offers online monitoring of cargoes on ships as well as the freight rate, while the VoC ensures that the imported goods comply with the standards and technical regulations in force. Thus, these two programs each have a specific and distinct scope.

What are the applicable conformity assessment fees? Can they be paid in the Ivory Coast?

These costs are borne by the exporter and cannot be paid in Ivory Coast. Below is a summary of the costs:

Do we have to do physical inspections in Route B or Route C?

Yes, routine physical inspections will be done on a quarterly basis for shipments benefiting from Route B, and on a semi-annual basis for shipments benefiting from Route C.

Can we do a voluntary certification?

Yes, voluntary certification is allowed under the VoC Program in force in Ivory Coast for goods not subject to the VoC, and for shipments below the minimum threshold.

Why SGS?

We participate specifically in the monitoring of maritime traffic in Ivory Coast through our ACI technical center. Thus, for all exports by sea to Ivory Coast, the necessary commercial and transport documents are subject to a documentary review carried out by SGS.

We have vast experience in delivering conformity assessment services, including in Africa and the Middle East. We have an unparalleled network, local contract management, and a dedicated team of professionals. Our conformity assessment services ensure consistency, speed efficiency and professionalism, and clients also benefit from a superior software platform.

We offer:

• A one stop shop for all certifications, worldwide
• Key account management in one of the countries or/and in our Contract Management Office
• Immediate processing of your request
• Support in linking all the parties participating in the process
• Custom tailored solutions for your situations

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

This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q2/2023) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment. 

Read more PCA articles (Q2/2023)

• SGS Gulf Approved as Notified Body for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment in Oman
• Benefits for Burundi: ongoing digitalization of PVoC services

You can read more articles in previous editions of our PCA Newsletter Library.

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