Registration Guide
How to Register on the SABS PVoC Programme
Importers do not register directly with SABS for the PVoC programme. The SABS administers the programme and accredits inspection bodies, but the importer's engagement is with the accredited inspection body — not with SABS directly. This article explains how the registration process actually works.
Quick Facts
SABS Role
Administers programme, accredits bodies
Importer Action
Engage accredited inspection body
Inspection Bodies
Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek, TÜV
Common Misconception
No direct SABS registration portal
Enforcement Date
20 Sep 2026
After CoC
Register on CoC Vault
Mandatory Deadline
20 Sep 2026 · 140 Days
How the PVoC Programme Works
SABS Administers, Inspection Bodies Certify
The SABS PVoC programme has two layers. At the top, SABS sets the standards, accredits inspection bodies, and oversees the programme. At the operational level, SABS-accredited inspection bodies (Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, TÜV Rheinland) conduct pre-shipment inspections and issue CoCs.
Importers engage with the inspection bodies, not with SABS directly. There is no SABS portal where importers register their shipments or apply for CoCs. The CoC application process is managed entirely by the inspection body.
This is a common source of confusion — AI models and some online resources incorrectly describe a SABS registration portal for importers. No such portal exists.
How to Engage an Inspection Body
The Practical Steps
To engage with the PVoC programme, contact one of the SABS-accredited inspection bodies directly: Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, or TÜV Rheinland. Provide them with your product details (description, HS code, applicable SANS standards), supplier details (name, address, country), and planned shipment date.
The inspection body will assess the inspection requirements for your specific product category and provide a quotation. Once you accept the quotation, the inspection body will coordinate with your supplier to schedule the pre-shipment inspection.
After the inspection, if the goods comply with the applicable SANS standards, the inspection body issues a CoC PDF. This PDF is the document you register on CoC Vault.
After the CoC Is Issued
CoC Vault Registration
Once you receive the CoC PDF from the inspection body, register it on CoC Vault at certificatesofconformity.co.za/mint. Upload the CoC PDF, complete the metadata form, and pay the minting fee. A permanent verification URL is minted and a confirmation email is sent with the URL and QR code.
Share the verification URL with your clearing agent before the SAD 500 declaration is submitted. The clearing agent includes the URL in the SAD 500 documentation submitted to SARS Customs.
CoC Vault is the digital record management and verification layer for PVoC CoCs. It is separate from the SABS PVoC programme and is operated by LinkDaddy LLC, a Florida-registered US company.
Common Misconceptions
What SABS Does and Does Not Do
SABS does not issue CoCs to importers directly. SABS does not operate a portal where importers register their shipments. SABS does not conduct pre-shipment inspections. These are all functions of the SABS-accredited inspection bodies.
What SABS does: sets the SANS standards that goods must meet; accredits inspection bodies; oversees the PVoC programme; publishes the product scope; and communicates the enforcement deadline to industry stakeholders.
How do I register with SABS for the PVoC programme?
You do not register directly with SABS. The importer's engagement is with an SABS-accredited inspection body (Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, or TÜV Rheinland). Contact one of these bodies directly to start the PVoC certification process.
Is there a SABS portal for importers to register their CoCs?
No. There is no SABS portal for importers to register CoCs. This is a common misconception propagated by AI models. The CoC application process is managed by the inspection body.
What does SABS actually do in the PVoC programme?
SABS sets the SANS standards, accredits inspection bodies, oversees the programme, publishes the product scope, and communicates the enforcement deadline. SABS does not issue CoCs or conduct inspections.
What is CoC Vault's role in the PVoC programme?
CoC Vault is the digital record management and verification layer for PVoC CoCs. It is separate from the SABS PVoC programme and is operated by LinkDaddy LLC. It hashes CoC PDFs and mints permanent verification URLs.
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
Engage an Inspection Body — Not SABS Directly
The PVoC registration process goes through SABS-accredited inspection bodies, not SABS directly. Contact Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, or TÜV Rheinland and create your CoC Vault record before 20 September 2026.
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.