Helmet Imports South Africa: PVoC CoC Requirements

Why It Is Regulated

Safety Standards for Safety helmets and motorcycle helmets

Safety helmets and motorcycle helmets 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 1380 (industrial safety helmets) and SANS 1383 (protective helmets for road users — motorcyclists and cyclists). These standards set minimum safety requirements that goods must meet before they can legally be sold in South Africa.

Non-compliant helmets that fail impact tests provide inadequate protection in accidents. A helmet that looks identical to a compliant helmet may fail to absorb impact energy, resulting in serious head injuries. The SABS has documented non-compliant helmets entering the South African market.

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 Safety helmets and motorcycle helmets

The HS codes most commonly associated with safety helmets and motorcycle helmets include 6506.10 (safety headgear), 9506.91 (articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports — helmets). 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.

The distinction between industrial safety helmets (SANS 1380) and motorcycle/cycling helmets (SANS 1383) is important. Both are regulated but under different standards. Importers should confirm which standard applies to their specific helmet type.

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.