Regulatory Outlook
Phase 2 PVoC Sectors: What Product Categories Are Coming Next?
Phase 1 of South Africa's PVoC programme covers specific regulated product categories including electrical equipment, toys, cosmetics, and building materials. Phase 2 is expected to expand the scope to additional product categories, though the specific categories and timeline have not yet been officially announced by SABS. This article summarises what is anticipated based on the current regulatory trajectory.
Phase 1 Scope
What Is Currently Regulated
Phase 1 of the PVoC programme covers the product categories that are currently subject to compulsory SANS standards and are included in the SABS PVoC product scope. These include: electrical and electronic equipment (appliances, cables, lighting, IT equipment, audio/video equipment); toys and children's products; building and construction materials (steel, cement, glass, cables); personal protective equipment; automotive parts and accessories; cosmetics and personal care products; and certain chemical products.
The full Phase 1 product scope is published by SABS and is the definitive reference for importers. Importers should check the current scope against their HS codes to confirm whether their goods are regulated.
Phase 2 Expectations
What May Be Added to the Scope
While SABS has not officially announced the Phase 2 product categories or timeline, the regulatory trajectory suggests that Phase 2 will expand the PVoC scope to additional product categories. Based on the pattern of compulsory SANS standards and international pre-shipment inspection programmes, the following categories are likely candidates for Phase 2 inclusion: food contact materials (packaging, containers, utensils); medical devices and healthcare products; agricultural inputs (fertilisers, pesticides); and additional categories of machinery and industrial equipment.
The specific Phase 2 categories will be determined by SABS based on risk assessments, market surveillance data, and stakeholder consultations. Importers who source products in these categories should monitor SABS communications for Phase 2 announcements.
It is important to note that Phase 2 has not been officially announced. The categories listed above are anticipated based on the regulatory trajectory, not confirmed by SABS.
How to Prepare
Monitoring SABS Communications
Importers who source products that are not currently in the Phase 1 scope but may be included in Phase 2 should monitor SABS communications regularly. SABS publishes updates to the PVoC product scope on its website and communicates scope changes to industry stakeholders.
When Phase 2 is announced, SABS will typically provide a transition period for importers to establish compliance processes. Importers who are already familiar with the PVoC compliance process (from Phase 1 experience) will be better positioned to comply with Phase 2 requirements quickly.
CoC Vault is designed to accommodate any product category that falls within the PVoC scope. When Phase 2 is announced, importers can register Phase 2 CoCs on CoC Vault in the same way as Phase 1 CoCs.
Focus on Phase 1 First
The Immediate Priority
The immediate priority for importers is Phase 1 compliance before 20 September 2026. Phase 2 is anticipated but not yet announced. Importers who are not yet compliant with Phase 1 requirements should focus on establishing Phase 1 compliance before worrying about Phase 2.
Phase 2 will be announced with sufficient lead time for importers to establish compliance processes. The experience of establishing Phase 1 compliance will make Phase 2 compliance significantly easier.
What is Phase 2 of South Africa's PVoC programme?
Phase 2 is an anticipated expansion of the PVoC product scope to additional product categories. It has not yet been officially announced by SABS. The specific categories and timeline are not yet confirmed.
When will Phase 2 be announced?
SABS has not announced a Phase 2 timeline. Importers should monitor SABS communications for updates.
What product categories might be included in Phase 2?
Based on the regulatory trajectory, likely candidates include food contact materials, medical devices, agricultural inputs, and additional machinery categories. These are anticipated, not confirmed.
Should I worry about Phase 2 before Phase 1?
No. Focus on Phase 1 compliance before 20 September 2026 first. Phase 2 will be announced with sufficient lead time for importers to establish compliance processes.
When does Phase 1 PVoC enforcement become mandatory?
20 September 2026. From that date, SARS Customs will check for valid PVoC CoCs on all Phase 1 regulated goods.
Continue Learning
Focus on Phase 1 First
Phase 2 is anticipated but not yet announced. Focus on Phase 1 compliance before 20 September 2026. Create your CoC Vault record for Phase 1 regulated goods now.
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.