Generator Imports South Africa: PVoC CoC Requirements

Why It Is Regulated

Safety Standards for Generators

Generators imported into South Africa are regulated under the SABS PVoC programme because they are subject to compulsory South African National Standards (SANS). The applicable standards include SANS 60034 (rotating electrical machines) and SANS 61000 (electromagnetic compatibility). Generators that connect to the grid must also comply with NRS 097 (grid connection requirements). These standards set minimum safety requirements that goods must meet before they can legally be sold in South Africa.

Non-compliant generators pose electrocution and fire risks. Inadequate earthing, substandard circuit breakers, and poor voltage regulation are common failure modes. Generators that are connected to the grid without proper isolation can also cause harm to utility workers.

From 20 September 2026, SARS Customs will check for valid PVoC CoCs on all regulated goods at all ports of entry. Shipments arriving without a valid CoC will be detained.

HS Codes and Scope

Tariff Classification for Generators

The HS codes most commonly associated with generators include 8502.11 (generating sets with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines, of an output not exceeding 75 kVA), 8502.12 (75–375 kVA), 8502.13 (exceeding 375 kVA), 8502.20 (generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines). Importers should verify the correct HS code for their specific product with their clearing agent. The HS code determines whether the goods fall within the SABS PVoC regulated product scope.

South Africa has experienced significant load shedding, driving high demand for generators. This has also attracted non-compliant products from low-cost manufacturers. The PVoC requirement for generators is a direct response to documented market failures.

The Certification Process

How to Obtain a PVoC CoC

To obtain a PVoC CoC, contact an SABS-accredited inspection body — Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, or TÜV Rheinland — and provide them with the product specifications, HS code, applicable SANS standards, and planned shipment details. The inspection body will assess the goods against the relevant standards and issue a CoC if they comply.

First-time certifications typically take 2–4 weeks. Repeat certifications for the same product model are faster because the inspection body already has the product's test data on file.

Once the inspection body issues a CoC PDF, register it on CoC Vault to create a tamper-evident digital record and permanent verification URL for use in SAD 500 customs declarations.

After the CoC Is Issued

CoC Vault Registration

Register the CoC PDF on CoC Vault at certificatesofconformity.co.za/mint. Upload the PDF, complete the nine metadata fields, and pay the minting fee (2%/1%/0.5% of CIF value). A permanent verification URL is minted immediately after payment.

Share the verification URL with your clearing agent before the SAD 500 declaration is submitted. SARS Customs checks the URL to verify the CoC's authenticity when the goods arrive.