SGS is pleased to announce the launch of a new certification scheme to help exporters succeed in the complex regulatory landscape of the East Africa Community (EAC).
EAC-Ready is a voluntary certification scheme that simplifies the process of entering EAC markets. It does not replace existing pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) programs. Instead, it offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to operate in East African economies by enabling certified goods to easily secure mandatory certificates of conformity (CoC) under the PVoC program.
The EAC covers 4.8 million square kilometers and includes the republics of Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. It is a rapidly expanding economic community of around 283.7 million citizens (>30% urban dwelling) with a combined gross domestic product of USD 305.3 billion. To regulate product quality and safety, enhance growth and facilitate better trade between member states, leaders in the EAC have adopted a common set of binding East African Standards (EAS).
Leveraging our global network of experts and fully accredited laboratories, we have developed a customized testing and auditing strategy to determine product compliance with relevant EAS.
Depending on the individual requirements of the product and the certification scheme, EAC-Ready certification may include:
- Product testing – assess product against relevant EAS technical requirements
- Factory audit – physical or virtual premises visit
- Desk audit – interviews and record screening that may cover product design, process and installation
- Document review – technical evaluation of test reports, etc. to determine compliance with a standard or regulation
Once a product has been deemed to comply with relevant EAS, the exporter will be able to display the EAC-Ready certification mark. This boosts confidence in the product among EAC members while also building trust in trade within the EAC.
Learn more about EAC - Ready Certification Mark.
About SGS
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