The Tanzania PVOC (Pre-export Verification of Conformity) Certificate is an important measure implemented by the Tanzanian government to ensure the quality of imported products and to protect consumer safety, health and the environment. As of February 1, 2012, all regulated products covered by the PVOC process must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (COC) as a required document for customs clearance at the port of destination prior to export to Tanzania.
The main purpose of PVOC certification is to ensure that imported products comply with Tanzania’s local laws, regulations and relevant technical standards, thereby protecting local consumers, manufacturers, the environment and public safety from the harm of substandard products. The Tanzanian Bureau of Standards (TBS) is directly responsible for the implementation and execution of this conformity assessment process and authorizes relevant agencies to handle COC certificates to assist exporters in conducting pre-shipment inspections.
PVOC certification covers a wide range of products, including but not limited to toys and sporting goods, electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles and their accessories, chemical products, mechanical materials and gas appliances, paper and stationery, personal protective equipment, food and food products, etc. These products are subject to rigorous inspection and testing to ensure that they comply with Tanzanian national standards or other recognized standards.
During the PVOC certification process, exporters are required to submit a number of application materials, including application forms, pro forma invoices, packing lists, product photos, and test reports. These materials are used to verify product compliance and serve as the basis for arranging pre-shipment inspections. Once the inspection is passed, a COC certificate is issued to prove that the product meets the relevant requirements of Tanzania.
It is worth noting that PVOC certification is divided into different certification paths depending on the product type, nature, shipment frequency and the manufacturer’s quality management system. For example, for suppliers and manufacturers of unregistered products or sensitive goods, the products must be tested and physically inspected; for registered suppliers or manufacturers of goods, COC certificates can be obtained through a fast-track certification process; for manufacturers who can demonstrate that they have a quality management system in place in their manufacturing/production process, they can obtain product licenses to simplify the certification process.
In general, the Tanzanian PVOC certificate is an important tool to ensure the quality of imported products, protect consumer interests and public safety. By implementing PVOC certification, the Tanzanian government can effectively prevent unsafe and low-quality goods from entering the market and maintain fair competition and healthy development in the domestic market. At the same time, it also provides exporters with a clear guide and specification to help them better understand and adapt to the quality requirements of the Tanzanian market.
