Uganda PVoC certification

If you are an exporter planning to sell products in Uganda, you must comply with the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program. The PVoC program is designed to ensure that imported goods meet the required quality and safety standards to protect Ugandan consumers and the environment. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of obtaining Uganda PVoC certification.

Step 1: Identify the Regulated Products

The first step in the PVoC certification process is to determine if your products are regulated. The Ugandan government has identified a list of regulated products, which includes electrical and electronic equipment, toys, textiles, and automotive products, among others.

Step 2: Identify a PVoC Service Provider

Once you have identified the regulated products, you need to select a PVoC service provider. The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has accredited several companies to provide PVoC services. These companies are responsible for assessing your products’ conformity with the Ugandan standards and issuing a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).

Step 3: Submit Samples for Testing

After selecting a PVoC service provider, you need to submit samples of your products for testing. The service provider will conduct tests on the samples to verify their conformity with the Ugandan standards. The tests may include safety, performance, and quality assessments.

Step 4: Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

If your products pass the testing, the PVoC service provider will issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). The CoC confirms that your products meet the required quality and safety standards for entry into Uganda.

Step 5: Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Exemption

If your products are exempt from PVoC certification, you can obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Exemption from the UNBS. The CoC exemption confirms that your products meet the required quality and safety standards and are exempt from PVoC certification.

Step 6: Arrange for Inspection

Once you have obtained the CoC or CoC exemption, you need to arrange for inspection. The Ugandan government requires all imports to be inspected at the port of entry before clearance. The inspection ensures that the products are consistent with the CoC or CoC exemption and meet the required quality and safety standards.

Step 7: Obtain a Release Order

After inspection, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) will issue a release order for your products. The release order confirms that your products have been cleared for entry into Uganda.

In conclusion, the Uganda PVoC certification process is a crucial step in ensuring that your products meet the required quality and safety standards for entry into the Ugandan market. By following the above steps, you can obtain a Certificate of Conformity or CoC exemption and arrange for inspection and clearance of your products at the port of entry.