SA moves to block unsafe imports with new product checks

by | May 2, 2026

South Africa imports, Pre Export Verification of Conformity, PVoC South Africa, import regulations 2026, product safety standards, South African Bureau of Standards, SABS inspections, China imports South Africa, certificate of conformity, import compliance rules, consumer protection South Africa, substandard goods imports, trade regulation South Africa, import delays certification, corruption concerns imports
SA set to introduce import check program to improve safety standards, but concerns are raised about corruption.

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South Africa is preparing to tighten control over cheap imports by introducing a new system aimed at improving product safety and quality. From late September 2026, a mandatory Pre Export Verification of Conformity program will come into effect. This move is designed to reduce the number of unsafe and substandard goods entering the country. While the system applies to all imports, the initial focus is on goods coming from China, which is South Africa’s largest trading partner.

Under the new rules, importers will be required to secure a Certificate of Conformity before goods are shipped to South Africa. This certificate will confirm that products meet local safety and quality standards. Without this document, shipments may be delayed or rejected at the border. The aim is to ensure that products comply with regulations before they even leave the country of origin, rather than trying to fix problems after arrival.

The South African Bureau of Standards will oversee the process and will carry out inspections based on risk. These checks will take place during a six month transition period as the system is phased in. The program will focus on high risk items that are not always well regulated. These include electrical appliances, toys, chargers, and furniture, which can pose serious risks such as fires, chemical exposure, or structural failure.

Although the program will start with imports from China, it is not limited to one country and is expected to expand over time. Authorities also plan to run awareness campaigns to help businesses understand the new requirements. The government claims that this approach will protect consumers, support fair competition, and raise the overall standard of goods sold in South Africa.

Knowing what South Africa is today, one has to wonder whether this program will become just another means of bribery and extortion.

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