Kenya PVOC certification: an additional challenge for SME exports?
As global trade becomes increasingly interconnected, Kenya, as a major economy in Africa, has attracted the attention of many SMEs with its market potential. However, does the Pre-shipment Verification of Conformance to Standards (PVOC) certification scheme implemented by the Kenyan government pose an additional challenge to SMEs wishing to enter the country’s market? This article examines the issue in detail. Background and Purpose of PVOC Certification PVOC certification is a mandatory certification system implemented by the Kenyan government to protect the interests of local consumers and ensure the quality of imported products. The system requires all regulated goods imported into Kenya to have a Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued by…