Product Applicability
Skin Care Product Imports South Africa: PVoC CoC Requirements
Skin care products imported into South Africa — including moisturisers, serums, sunscreens, cleansers, and toners — are regulated cosmetics subject to compulsory SANS standards and the Cosmetics Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. A PVoC Certificate of Conformity is required before shipment. From 20 September 2026, skin care product shipments arriving without a valid CoC will be detained by SARS Customs.
Quick Facts
CoC Required?
Yes — regulated cosmetics
Applicable Standards
SANS 10137 + Cosmetics Regs
Risk Category
Chemical safety + labelling
Enforcement Date
20 Sep 2026
Inspection Bodies
Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek, TÜV
Common HS Codes
3304.10, 3304.20, 3304.30, 3304.99
Mandatory Deadline
20 Sep 2026 · 140 Days
Why Skin Care Products Are Regulated
Chemical Safety and Consumer Protection
Skin care products are regulated under the SABS PVoC programme because they are applied directly to the skin and can cause harm if they contain prohibited substances, are incorrectly formulated, or are mislabelled. Skin care products with excessive concentrations of active ingredients (such as retinoids, acids, or bleaching agents) can cause skin damage, allergic reactions, and long-term health effects.
The applicable standards include SANS 10137 (cosmetics — labelling requirements) and the regulations made under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972). These regulations set requirements for ingredient disclosure, prohibited substances, concentration limits for active ingredients, and labelling requirements.
South Africa has specific prohibited substances and concentration limits that differ from those in other markets (particularly the EU and the US). Products that comply with EU or US cosmetics regulations may not comply with South African requirements.
What Skin Care Products Are Covered
From Moisturisers to Sunscreens
The PVoC CoC requirement applies to a broad range of skin care products. Moisturisers and face creams are regulated. Serums and treatment products are regulated. Sunscreens and sun protection products are regulated. Cleansers, toners, and exfoliants are regulated. Body lotions and body creams are regulated.
Skin care products with active pharmaceutical ingredients (such as prescription-strength retinoids or prescription-strength hydroquinone) may be regulated as medicines rather than cosmetics, in which case additional requirements under the Medicines and Related Substances Act apply. Importers of such products should confirm the applicable regulatory framework with a regulatory consultant.
The HS codes most commonly associated with skin care products include 3304.10 (lip make-up preparations), 3304.20 (eye make-up preparations), 3304.30 (manicure or pedicure preparations), and 3304.99 (other beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin). Importers should verify the correct HS code for their specific product with their clearing agent.
The Inspection and Certification Process
How to Obtain a PVoC CoC for Skin Care Products
To obtain a PVoC CoC for skin care products, contact an SABS-accredited inspection body and provide them with the product formulation details, ingredient list, applicable SANS standards, and planned shipment details. The inspection body will assess the products against the relevant standards and issue a CoC if they comply.
For skin care products, the inspection typically involves a review of the product formulation against the applicable cosmetics regulations, including a check for prohibited substances and concentration limits. The inspection body may also review the product labelling to confirm compliance with SANS 10137 labelling requirements.
Skin care product certifications are typically product-specific. A CoC issued for one moisturiser formulation does not cover a different formulation, even if the products are sold under the same brand name.
South African-Specific Requirements
What Differs from Other Markets
South Africa has specific cosmetics regulations that differ from those in the EU and the US. Key differences include: prohibited substances that are allowed in other markets; concentration limits for active ingredients that are lower than in other markets; and labelling requirements that include Afrikaans or other South African languages in some cases.
Importers who source skin care products that comply with EU or US regulations should not assume that they comply with South African regulations. The inspection body will assess compliance against South African requirements specifically.
CoC Vault provides a centralised digital record of all skin care product CoCs. Each CoC PDF is hashed and a permanent verification URL is minted. The verification URL can be included in SAD 500 documentation and shared with clearing agents.
Do skin care products need a PVoC CoC?
Yes. Skin care products including moisturisers, serums, sunscreens, and cleansers are regulated cosmetics under the SABS PVoC programme. A PVoC CoC from an SABS-accredited inspection body is required before shipment.
Which standards apply to skin care products?
The primary standards include SANS 10137 (cosmetics labelling requirements) and the regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972). The specific requirements depend on the product type and formulation.
Are South African cosmetics regulations different from EU regulations?
Yes. South Africa has specific prohibited substances and concentration limits that differ from EU regulations. Products that comply with EU cosmetics regulations may not comply with South African requirements.
What HS codes are used for skin care products?
Common HS codes include 3304.10 (lip make-up), 3304.20 (eye make-up), 3304.30 (manicure/pedicure preparations), and 3304.99 (other skin care preparations). Confirm the correct HS code with your clearing agent.
When does PVoC enforcement become mandatory for skin care products?
20 September 2026. From that date, SARS Customs will check for valid PVoC CoCs on all regulated goods, including skin care products.
Continue Learning
Your Skin Care Product Shipments Need a PVoC CoC
Skin care products are regulated cosmetics. A PVoC CoC is required before shipment. Create your CoC Vault record 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.