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Import CoC vs Electrical CoC — Which One Do You Need?
If you are importing goods from China into South Africa, you need the import Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — issued by an accredited inspection body in China before your goods ship. If you are selling or buying property in South Africa, you need the electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) — issued by a registered electrician. These are different documents under different legislation.
Neither satisfies the other. Having an electrical CoC for your property does not exempt you from the import CoC requirement, and vice versa.
Quick Facts
Import CoC Issued By
CCIC, SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas in China
Electrical CoC Issued By
SA registered electrician
Import CoC Required From
20 September 2026 · 140 Days
Electrical CoC Required For
Property transfers and electrical installations
Are They Related?
No — different legislation, different authorities
Mandatory Deadline
20 Sep 2026 · 140 Days
The Import Certificate of Conformity
What It Is and When You Need It
The import Certificate of Conformity is a document issued by an accredited inspection body in China — CCIC, SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas — confirming that your goods meet the applicable South African National Standards (SANS codes). It is required under the SABS PVoC programme, gazetted in Government Gazette No. 54374 on 20 March 2026.
From 20 September 2026, Phase 1 goods from Mainland China cannot clear South African Customs without a valid import CoC. Phase 1 covers solar PV products, furniture, cosmetics and toiletries, children's toys, and electrical appliances. The CoC must be issued before the goods leave China and registered on cofc to generate the verification URL your clearing agent needs for the SAD500.
The Electrical Certificate of Compliance
What It Is and When You Need It
The electrical Certificate of Compliance (sometimes called an electrical CoC or COC) is a document issued by a registered electrician in South Africa confirming that an electrical installation complies with SANS 10142-1 (the Wiring Code). It is required when selling or transferring property in South Africa, and when new electrical installations are completed.
The electrical CoC is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulated by the Department of Employment and Labour. It is specific to the property and the electrical installation at that property. It has nothing to do with imports from China or the SABS PVoC programme.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Import CoC vs Electrical CoC — The Key Differences
| Attribute | Import CoC (for goods from China) | Electrical CoC (for property) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Accredited inspection body in China (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) | SA registered electrician (ECSA-registered) |
| Purpose | Confirms goods meet SA safety standards (SANS codes) before export from China | Confirms electrical installation complies with SANS 10142-1 (Wiring Code) |
| When required | Phase 1 goods from Mainland China imported into SA from 20 September 2026 | Property sale, transfer, or new electrical installation in SA |
| Governing legislation | Standards Act 8 of 2008; Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026) | Occupational Health and Safety Act; SANS 10142-1 |
| Administered by | South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) | Department of Employment and Labour |
| Cost range | Inspection fee (China) + cofc registration R1,997 onboarding + tiered minting fee | Typically R500–R3,000 depending on installation size |
Common Confusion Scenarios
When Importers Get This Wrong
Scenario 1: The property owner who imports goods. An importer who owns property in South Africa has an electrical CoC for their premises. They assume this CoC satisfies the import compliance requirement. It does not. The electrical CoC for their property has no bearing on the import CoC requirement for their Phase 1 goods from China.
Scenario 2: The buyer who thinks they need an import CoC for a house purchase. A property buyer hears about the new CoC requirement and assumes it applies to their house purchase. It does not. The new import CoC requirement applies to goods imported from China, not to property transactions. The property transaction requires an electrical CoC from a registered electrician.
Both scenarios result from the same abbreviation confusion. The solution is simple: if you are importing goods from China, you need the import CoC. If you are buying or selling property, you need the electrical CoC. They are independent obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About the Two CoC Documents
Can the same organisation issue both documents?
No. The import Certificate of Conformity is issued by accredited inspection bodies in China (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas). The electrical Certificate of Compliance is issued by a registered electrician in South Africa. These are completely different regulatory frameworks.
Does having an electrical CoC exempt me from needing an import CoC?
No. The electrical Certificate of Compliance for your property has no bearing on the import Certificate of Conformity requirement. They are governed by different legislation, issued by different bodies, and serve different purposes. Having one does not affect your obligation to obtain the other.
I need to sell my house AND import goods from China. Do I need both?
Yes, but they are completely independent obligations. For the property sale, you need an electrical CoC from a registered electrician. For the import, you need an import CoC from an inspection body in China, registered on cofc. Neither satisfies the other.
Who regulates each document?
The import Certificate of Conformity is regulated by the SABS under the Standards Act 8 of 2008. The electrical Certificate of Compliance is regulated by the Department of Employment and Labour under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with technical standards set by SANS 10142-1.
Continue Learning
Certificate of Conformity Guide
What the import CoC is and how to register it.
CoC vs Certificate of Compliance — Full Comparison
The full comparison article.
Why Is There a CoC for Imports?
The history of the import CoC requirement.
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context.
Is the CoC for Imports the Same as the CoC for Selling a House?
Another angle on the same confusion.
Importing from China? Register your import CoC before September 2026.
The import Certificate of Conformity is a separate document from the electrical CoC. Register your import CoC on cofc to get the permanent verification URL your clearing agent needs.
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.