Here, we delve into Gazette 7284:
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION
- 7284 20 March 2026
STANDARDS ACT, 2008 (ACT NO. 8 OF 2008)
IMPLEMENTATION OF A PRE-EXPORT VERIFICATION OF CONFORMITY PROGRAMME FOR CERTAIN UNREGULATED PRODUCTS IMPORTED FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
The PVoC programme is expected to be in full effect as of September 2026.
Paul Teysen | Unsplash
The South African government has gazetted the Pre-export Verification of Conformity Programme (PVoC) under the gazette number 7284. The PVoC programme will ensure that certain products shipped to South Africa from the country’s biggest importer (China) are compliant to standards before being exported to SA.
Gazette 7284: A summary
Section two of the gazette explains the scope of the application, while section three explains the purpose of the programme:
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Scope of Application
2.1 This Directive applies to the categories of unregulated products listed in Annexure
2.2 Where a product listed in Annexure 1 subsequently becomes subject to a
compulsory specification under applicable legislation, such product shall automatically
fall outside the scope of this Directive from the effective date of such regulation.
2.3 The list in Annexure 1 may be reviewed periodically by the Minister, following
consultation with relevant authorities, to ensure continued alignment with statutory
mandates and risk assessments.
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Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC)
3.1 A Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme is hereby introduced in
respect of the products listed in Annexure 1.
3.2 The Programme requires that applicable products imported from the People’s
Republic of China be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) confirming
conformity with identified applicable South African National Standards (SANS) or
recognised reference standards.
3.3 The conformity assessment activities contemplated in this Directive shall be
undertaken within the legislative mandate of the SABS.
3.4 Any cooperation arrangement between SABS and a foreign conformity assessment
body, including the China Certification & Inspection Group (CCIC), shall operate as an
administrative and technical cooperation mechanism and shall not have independent
regulatory force.
3.5 This Directive derives its authority solely from the Standards Act, 2008, and not
from any Memorandum of Understanding
Who will enforce PVoC?
Section five of the gazette states that SARS and BMA will be responsible for enforcement of the programme:
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Enforcement
5.1 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) may verify compliance with this Directive within the scope of their respective statutory mandates.
5.2 Enforcement shall occur strictly in terms of applicable customs and border management legislation.
What products apply to the PVoC programme?
The programme is applicable to 25 product categories, six of which are applicable to the industry. These five product categories, product examples, risk priority and recommended PVoC inspection and testing are listed below:
12 Gas Equipment
Product examples: Gas cooking and heating appliances. Gas stoves / cookers / hobs. Gas heaters. Gas water heaters (instantaneous)
Risk priority: High
Recommended PVoC inspection and testing: Fire and explosion
13 Solar Panels
Product examples: PV panels. PV panels / modules. PV panel kits (panels only, non-inverter).
Risk priority: Med-High
Recommended PVoC inspection and testing: Fire
14 Plumbing Components (Plastics, metal or ceramics)
Product examples: Baths, shower-baths, sinks, washbasins, bidets, lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and similar sanitary ware, of plastics. Plastic baths / shower-baths / sinks / washbasins. Ceramic sanitary fixtures (porcelain/china). Ceramic sanitary fixtures (other).
Risk priority: High
Recommended PVoC inspection and testing: Quality and safety checks – compliance with SANS
15 Plumbing Components (Taps)
Product examples: Taps (kitchen, baths, basins, shower) – Plastic or Metal
Risk priority: Medium–High
Recommended PVoC inspection and testing: Quality – water efficiency, i.e. flow rates
16 Water Reticulation Systems (Pipes, couplings and valves)
Product examples: Plastics piping systems — Polyethylene (PE) pipes and fittings for water supply
Risk priority: High
Recommended PVoC inspection and testing: Quality – water efficiency, leaks
17 Water Reticulation Systems
Product examples: Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, of plastics, with a capacity of > 300ℓ
Risk priority: Medium
Recommended PVoC inspection and testing: Quality – leaks
Why products from the Republic of China?
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has clarified that the programme is still in its pilot phase, and as such, will begin with South Africa’s largest import partner – China. As South Africa’s largest import partner, the Republic of China represents a significant portion of high risk goods.
After the programme has been implemented in China, it will be extended progressively to other countries in a non-discriminatory manner, in line with international trade rules.
When can we expect the PVoC programme to be fully implemented?
The gazette was released on 20 March 2026 and is currently in its transition (voluntary) phase, which will last for six months. Full enforcement is expected in September 2026.
More information
The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) has requested more information from SABS regarding the programme. Plumbing Africa will report on the programme as it progresses.
The gazette is freely free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 6 No. 54374 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 March 2026: Standards Act: Implementation of pre-export verification of Conformity Programme for certain unregulated products imported from China | South African Government
References:
- www.thedtic.gov.za
- SABS
- IOPSA
