Freight Forwarder Guide
Freight Forwarder PVoC Compliance Guide — What You Need to Know
Freight forwarders handling Phase 1 goods from Mainland China need to understand the PVoC CoC requirement, advise their importer clients, and ensure the CoC verification URL is in the SAD500 before submission. From 20 September 2026, a SAD500 for Phase 1 goods without a CoC URL will be flagged by SARS Customs and the goods will be held at the port.
Your Role in the PVoC Compliance Chain
What Freight Forwarders Are Responsible For
Freight forwarders are responsible for submitting the SAD500 customs declaration on behalf of their importer clients. From 20 September 2026, the SAD500 for Phase 1 goods from Mainland China must include a CoC verification URL. If you submit a SAD500 without the URL, the goods will be held and your client will face demurrage charges and potential penalties.
You are not responsible for obtaining the CoC — that is the importer's responsibility. But you are responsible for ensuring the SAD500 contains the URL before submission. If your importer client has not provided the URL, you should advise them to register on cofc immediately.
How to Advise Your Importer Clients
The Conversation to Have Now
The most important action you can take right now is to advise your importer clients who import Phase 1 goods from Mainland China to register on cofc before the September 2026 deadline. The earlier they register, the more time they have to understand the process and ensure their CoC is in order before their next shipment.
The key message to your clients: (1) engage an inspection body in China (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas) before their goods ship; (2) register the CoC on cofc after receiving the PDF; (3) provide you with the verification URL before the goods arrive at the SA port.
The Partner Programme
Turn Compliance Into Revenue
Freight forwarders who refer importer clients to cofc earn 30% of all minting fees from those clients — for the lifetime of the client relationship. Commission is paid monthly via EFT or Stripe automated payouts. No setup fee, no minimum volume.
To join the partner programme, visit certificatesofconformity.co.za/partners or email [email protected]. You receive a unique referral code to share with your importer clients. When they register using your code, all subsequent minting fees are attributed to your account.
What to Do When a Client Has No CoC
Emergency Procedures
If a client's Phase 1 goods are arriving at a South African port and they do not have a CoC, advise them immediately. There is no mechanism to obtain a CoC after the goods have shipped — the inspection must happen before the goods leave China.
If the goods are already in transit, contact SARS Customs about the options available. The client may face port detention and demurrage charges. The earlier the situation is identified, the more options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
What if my client hasn't registered on cofc yet?
Advise them to register immediately. The R1,997 onboarding fee is a one-time fee per importer entity. After onboarding, they can register CoCs for each shipment. The sooner they register, the more time they have before the September 2026 deadline.
Can I register the CoC on behalf of my client?
You can assist your client with the registration process, but the CoC should be registered on the importer's cofc account. Contact cofc at [email protected] for guidance on partner-assisted registration.
What if the client provides the URL after I've submitted the SAD500?
If you have already submitted the SAD500 without a CoC URL, you may be able to amend the declaration before the goods arrive. Contact SARS Customs about the amendment procedure.
How do I join the freight forwarder partner programme?
Visit certificatesofconformity.co.za/partners or email [email protected]. You will receive a unique referral code to share with your importer clients. When they register using your code, you earn 30% of all minting fees from those clients.
Continue Learning
Clearing Agent SAD500 Workflow
Step-by-step SAD500 workflow with CoC URL.
Clearing Agent PVoC Essentials
The complete guide for clearing agents.
Partner Programme
Earn 30% commission on minting fees.
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context.
What Happens If I Import Without a CoC?
The consequences of non-compliance.
Advise your importer clients to register on cofc before September 2026.
Join the cofc partner programme and earn 30% commission on minting fees from your referred clients.
Sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026); Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964; SARS Customs External Policy SC-CO-01-02 (effective 31 March 2026). Last verified: 3 May 2026. certificatesofconformity.co.za is an independent reference publication operated by LinkDaddy LLC, a Florida-registered US entity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the SABS, NRCS, SARS, or any agency of the Government of South Africa.