Operational Guide
How to Read a PVoC Certificate of Conformity
A PVoC Certificate of Conformity is a formal document issued by an SABS-accredited inspection body. Understanding how to read it — what each field means and what to check — helps you verify that the CoC is genuine and covers the correct goods before registering it on CoC Vault.
Key Fields on a PVoC CoC
What Each Section Contains
Header: The inspection body's name, logo, and contact details. The CoC reference number (a unique identifier assigned by the inspection body). The issue date. The SABS accreditation number or reference.
Applicant/Importer section: The name and address of the importer (the party who engaged the inspection body). This should match your company name.
Manufacturer/Supplier section: The name and address of the manufacturer or supplier. The country of manufacture (country of origin).
Goods description: A description of the goods, including the product name, model number (if applicable), quantity, and HS code. This must match the goods in the shipment.
Standards section: The SANS standards (or equivalent IEC/ISO standards) that the goods were assessed against. The assessment result (compliant/pass). Any conditions or limitations on the CoC.
What to Check Before Registering
Verification Checklist
Before registering a CoC on CoC Vault, check the following: (1) The issuing body is SABS-accredited — verify on the SABS website (sabs.co.za). (2) The CoC reference number is present and legible. (3) The goods description matches the goods in the shipment — product name, model, quantity, and HS code. (4) The issue date is recent and the CoC is for the current shipment, not a previous one. (5) The applicable SANS standards are listed.
If any of these checks fail — for example, if the goods description does not match the shipment, or if the issuing body is not SABS-accredited — do not register the CoC and contact the inspection body immediately.
A CoC that does not match the shipment will be rejected by SARS Customs, even if it is registered on CoC Vault. The metadata on the CoC Vault verification page must match the goods in the SAD 500 declaration.
Common Issues
What to Do If Something Is Wrong
Common issues with PVoC CoCs include: incorrect goods description (the CoC describes a different product than what was shipped); incorrect HS code; missing SANS standards; or the CoC is for a previous shipment and has been reused.
If you identify an issue with the CoC, contact the inspection body immediately and request a corrected CoC before the goods are shipped. Do not ship goods with an incorrect CoC — SARS Customs will reject it and the goods will be detained.
What are the key fields on a PVoC CoC?
The key fields are: CoC reference number, issuing body name, issue date, applicant/importer name, manufacturer name, country of origin, goods description, HS code, and applicable SANS standards.
How do I verify that a CoC is genuine?
Check that the issuing body is SABS-accredited (verify on sabs.co.za). Check that the CoC reference number matches the inspection body's records. Register the CoC on CoC Vault to create a tamper-evident digital record.
What if the goods description on the CoC doesn't match the shipment?
Contact the inspection body immediately and request a corrected CoC before the goods are shipped. Do not ship goods with an incorrect CoC.
Can a CoC be reused for multiple shipments?
No. A PVoC CoC is issued for a specific consignment. Using a CoC from a previous shipment for a new shipment is not permitted and will be detected by SARS Customs.
When does PVoC enforcement become mandatory?
20 September 2026. From that date, SARS Customs will check for valid PVoC CoCs on all regulated goods.
Continue Learning
Check the CoC Before Registering
Verify the issuing body, goods description, and SANS standards before registering on CoC Vault. Create your CoC Vault account and register your CoC before the 20 September 2026 deadline.
Sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026); Standards Act 8 of 2008; Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. 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.