Phase 1 Scope
Phase 1 Sectors Hub — PVoC Compliance by Product Category
The SABS Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme covers five mandatory product categories in Phase 1, all imported from Mainland China. From 20 September 2026, every shipment of these goods from China must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by an accredited inspection body before the goods leave China.
This hub provides sector-by-sector guidance: which products are in scope, which SANS standards apply, what the inspection process looks like for each sector, and what the minting fee will be based on your declared CIF value. Each sector has a dedicated spoke page with the full technical detail.
Two additional sectors — clothing and textiles, and bicycles — are widely discussed as likely Phase 2 expansion targets. They are not in scope for Phase 1 and no enforcement date has been gazetted for Phase 2 as at 30 April 2026.
Quick Facts
Phase 1 Enforcement Date
20 September 2026
Country Scope
Mainland China only (Phase 1)
Phase 1 Categories
5 mandatory product categories
Administering Body
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
Gazette Reference
GG 54374 · 20 March 2026
Inspection Bodies
CCIC, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas
Mandatory Deadline
20 Sep 2026 · 140 Days
Phase 1 Scope
All Phase 1 Sectors and Deadlines
| Sector | Regulation | Deadline | Priority | SA Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV Products | SANS 62368-1 / SANS 60335-2-29 | 20 Sep 2026 | CRITICAL | Panels, inverters, lithium batteries from China |
| Furniture | SANS 1783 / SANS 1093 | 20 Sep 2026 | CRITICAL | Office chairs, mattresses, upholstered furniture |
| Cosmetics & Toiletries | SANS 1557 / SANS 10400 | 20 Sep 2026 | CRITICAL | Skin care, hair relaxers, cosmetics from China |
| Children's Toys | SANS 10436 (ISO 8124) | 20 Sep 2026 | CRITICAL | Toys, plastic kitchenware from China |
| Electrical Appliances | SANS 62368-1 / SANS 60335 series | 20 Sep 2026 | CRITICAL | LED lighting, small appliances, electronics |
| Clothing & Textiles | TBC — Phase 2 | TBC | HIGH | Likely Phase 2 expansion — not yet gazetted |
| Bicycles | SANS 1539 — Phase 2 | TBC | MEDIUM | Likely Phase 2 expansion — not yet gazetted |
Phase 2 expansion has been announced but specific categories, country scope, and dates are not yet gazetted. Do not rely on Phase 2 timelines until the gazette is published.
Solar PV Products
Solar Panels, Inverters, and Battery Storage
Solar PV products are the highest-value Phase 1 category by shipment value. The typical CIF range for a commercial solar shipment from China is R500,000 to R5,000,000, placing most shipments in the 1% minting fee tier (R5,000–R50,000 per shipment). The applicable SANS codes are SANS 62368-1 (audio/video/IT equipment — covers inverters and solar electronics) and SANS 60335-2-29 (battery chargers).
In scope: solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film), string and hybrid inverters, off-grid inverters, lithium battery storage systems, charge controllers, and solar-ready consumer electronics. The inspection must happen at the factory or port of departure in China before the bill of lading is signed. CE marking and IEC certifications are useful supporting evidence but do not replace the PVoC CoC.
Furniture
Office Chairs, Mattresses, and Upholstered Furniture
Furniture is the second-largest Phase 1 category by shipment volume. The typical CIF range is R300,000 to R3,000,000, placing most shipments in the 1% minting fee tier (R3,000–R30,000 per shipment). The applicable SANS codes are SANS 1783 (office chairs — structural integrity, stability, durability) and SANS 1093 (mattresses — fire resistance, dimensional stability, material safety).
In scope: office chairs and seating, mattresses and bed bases, upholstered furniture (sofas, couches, armchairs), children's furniture (cots, high chairs, bunk beds), and flat-pack storage furniture. Important: this is the import Certificate of Conformity, not the electrical Certificate of Compliance required for property transfers. See the comparison article if you are unsure which document you need.
Cosmetics & Toiletries
Skin Care, Hair Relaxers, and Colour Cosmetics
Cosmetics and toiletries from China face the most stringent ingredient-safety requirements of any Phase 1 category. The typical CIF range is R200,000 to R2,000,000, placing most shipments in the 2% minting fee tier (R4,000–R40,000 per shipment). The applicable SANS codes are SANS 1557 (cosmetics — ingredient safety, microbiological limits, packaging) and SANS 10400 (labelling — required information, language requirements, claim restrictions).
In scope: skin care products (creams, lotions, serums), hair relaxers and hair dyes, skin-lightening products, nail products, fragrances, and colour cosmetics. SANS 10400 labelling requirements are part of the conformity assessment — products must be labelled in English and Afrikaans (at minimum). Non-compliant labelling will prevent the CoC from being issued. EU CPNP registration does not replace the PVoC CoC.
Children's Toys
Toys, Plastic Kitchenware, and Educational Games
Children's toys from China are subject to SANS 10436, the South African equivalent of ISO 8124 (Safety of Toys). The typical CIF range is R150,000 to R1,500,000, placing most shipments in the 2% minting fee tier (R3,000–R30,000 per shipment). SANS 10436 covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical migration, and electrical safety for battery-operated toys.
In scope: children's toys (all categories — mechanical, electronic, soft toys), plastic kitchenware designed for children (plates, cups, cutlery), toy accessories and parts, and educational toys and games. Verified SANS code: SANS 10436 is the correct standard for toys. Do not use SANS 51 (an electrical cable standard). CE marking (EN 71) does not replace the PVoC CoC for South African imports.
Electrical Appliances
LED Lighting, Small Appliances, and IT Equipment
Electrical appliances from China are subject to SANS 62368-1 (audio/video/IT equipment) and the SANS 60335 series (household and similar electrical appliances). The typical CIF range is R400,000 to R4,000,000, placing most shipments in the 1% minting fee tier (R4,000–R40,000 per shipment).
In scope: LED lighting (bulbs, strips, panels, drivers), small household appliances (kettles, toasters, hair dryers, fans), audio/video equipment (televisions, speakers, amplifiers), IT equipment (computers, printers, monitors), and power tools. Important: this is the import Certificate of Conformity (PVoC), not the electrical Certificate of Compliance required for property transfers and wiring installations. CE marking does not replace the PVoC CoC.
Cross-Cutting Concerns
Mixed Shipments, E-commerce, and Phase 2
Mixed shipments containing both Phase 1 and non-Phase 1 goods require a CoC for the Phase 1 component only — but the documentation must clearly identify the Phase 1 line items for the clearing agent's SAD500 submission. Discuss the documentation approach with your inspection body before the shipment is loaded.
E-commerce imports from platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress occupy a regulatory grey area. The PVoC programme applies to commercial imports, but the threshold between commercial and personal imports has not been precisely gazetted. The Cape Chamber of Commerce publicly raised this concern in March 2026. Until SABS publishes clarifying guidance, importers of commercial quantities via e-commerce platforms should treat their shipments as subject to PVoC requirements.
Phase 2 expansion has been announced by the DTIC but no specific categories, country scope, or enforcement dates have been gazetted as at 30 April 2026. Clothing and textiles and bicycles are widely discussed as likely Phase 2 candidates. Do not rely on any specific Phase 2 timeline until the gazette is published. The September 2026 deadline is for Phase 1 only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions Across All Sectors
Does PVoC apply to e-commerce imports from Shein, Temu, or AliExpress?
The regulatory position on small-parcel e-commerce imports is not fully resolved. The PVoC programme applies to commercial imports of Phase 1 goods from Mainland China. The threshold between commercial and personal imports has not been precisely gazetted. The Cape Chamber of Commerce publicly raised this concern in March 2026. Until SABS publishes clarifying guidance, importers of commercial quantities via e-commerce platforms should treat their shipments as subject to PVoC requirements.
What about mixed shipments containing both Phase 1 and non-Phase 1 goods?
A mixed shipment containing Phase 1 goods from China requires a CoC for the Phase 1 component. The non-Phase 1 goods in the same container do not require a CoC, but the Phase 1 goods do. In practice, your clearing agent needs to identify and reference the CoC for the Phase 1 line items in the SAD500. Discuss the documentation approach with your clearing agent and inspection body before the shipment is loaded.
When will Phase 2 sectors be announced?
Phase 2 expansion has been announced by the DTIC but the specific product categories, country scope, and enforcement dates have not been gazetted as at 30 April 2026. Do not rely on any specific Phase 2 timeline until the gazette is published. Clothing and textiles and bicycles are widely discussed as likely Phase 2 candidates, but this is not confirmed. Monitor the SABS website and Government Gazette for official announcements.
My goods are from a Chinese factory but shipped via Hong Kong — does Phase 1 apply?
Phase 1 applies to goods originating from Mainland China, not goods transshipped through Hong Kong. However, if the goods were manufactured in Mainland China and are merely transshipped through Hong Kong, they are likely still in scope. The country of origin on the CoC must reflect the actual manufacturing location. Attempting to use Hong Kong transshipment to avoid PVoC requirements is likely to be treated as misrepresentation at customs.
Can one CoC cover multiple product categories in the same shipment?
Generally, no. Each Phase 1 product category has different applicable SANS standards, and the inspection body must verify compliance against the specific standards for each category. A shipment containing both solar panels (SANS 62368-1) and furniture (SANS 1783) would typically require separate CoCs for each category. Confirm with your inspection body before the shipment is loaded.
Continue Learning
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context — what PVoC is, who it applies to, and what it requires.
Solar Panel PVoC Requirements
SANS codes, inspection guidance, and minting fee examples for solar PV imports.
Furniture PVoC Requirements
SANS codes, inspection guidance, and minting fee examples for furniture imports.
Cosmetics PVoC Requirements
SANS codes, inspection guidance, and minting fee examples for cosmetics imports.
Toys PVoC Requirements
SANS 10436 (ISO 8124), inspection guidance, and minting fee examples for toy imports.
sansstandards.co.za
The South African National Standards catalogue — authoritative SANS code reference.
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Verify with official sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026). sansstandards.co.za for applicable SANS codes. This article reflects the regulatory position as at 30 April 2026 and should not be relied upon as legal advice.