Product Applicability
Solar Inverter Imports South Africa: PVoC CoC Requirements
Solar inverters imported into South Africa require a PVoC Certificate of Conformity. They are high-voltage electrical products that connect to the grid and must meet stringent safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. From 20 September 2026, solar inverter shipments arriving without a valid CoC will be detained by SARS Customs.
Why Solar Inverters Are Regulated
High-Voltage Safety and Grid Protection
Solar inverters are regulated under the SABS PVoC programme because they are high-voltage electrical products that convert DC power from solar panels to AC power for use in buildings and grid connection. Non-compliant inverters can cause fires, electrocution, and damage to the electrical grid.
The applicable standards include SANS 62109 (safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems) and SANS 61000 (electromagnetic compatibility). Grid-tied inverters must also comply with NRS 097 (the South African standard for grid connection of embedded generation) and SANS 10142 (the wiring code for South Africa).
The South African solar market has grown rapidly, and with it the volume of imported solar inverters. The PVoC requirement for solar inverters ensures that the growing installed base of solar systems in South Africa meets safety standards — protecting homeowners, businesses, and the grid from non-compliant equipment.
What Types of Solar Inverters Are Covered
String Inverters, Microinverters, and Hybrid Systems
The PVoC CoC requirement applies to all types of solar inverters. String inverters (the most common type for residential and commercial solar installations) are regulated. Microinverters (which attach to individual solar panels) are regulated. Hybrid inverters (which combine solar inverter and battery inverter functions) are regulated. Off-grid inverters (which do not connect to the grid) are also regulated.
Battery charger/inverter combinations (often called "inverter chargers") used in solar-plus-storage systems are also regulated. Importers of these products should confirm the applicable SANS standards with an SABS-accredited inspection body, as the standards for battery-integrated systems may differ from those for standalone inverters.
The HS codes most commonly associated with solar inverters include 8504.40 (static converters), 8504.31 (transformers with a power handling capacity not exceeding 1 kVA), and 8504.32 (transformers with a power handling capacity exceeding 1 kVA but not exceeding 16 kVA). Importers should verify the correct HS code with their clearing agent.
The Inspection and Certification Process
How to Obtain a PVoC CoC for Solar Inverters
To obtain a PVoC CoC for solar inverters, contact an SABS-accredited inspection body and provide them with the product specifications, applicable SANS standards, and planned shipment details. The inspection body will assess the inverters against the relevant standards and issue a CoC if they comply.
For solar inverters, the inspection typically involves a review of the manufacturer's test reports from an accredited testing laboratory. The test reports must cover the applicable SANS standards for safety and EMC. For grid-tied inverters, the inspection body may also require evidence of compliance with NRS 097.
Solar inverter certifications are typically product-model specific. A CoC issued for a 5 kW string inverter does not cover a 10 kW version of the same product, even if they share the same design. Importers who import multiple inverter models should obtain separate CoCs for each model.
Solar Importers and the 2026 Deadline
Compliance Planning for Solar Supply Chains
Solar importers who have been importing inverters without PVoC CoCs — either because enforcement was inconsistent or because they were unaware of the requirement — must obtain CoCs for all future shipments before 20 September 2026. The solar sector is one of the highest-volume regulated product categories, and SARS Customs is expected to enforce PVoC requirements rigorously for solar equipment.
Importers who source inverters from multiple manufacturers should establish certification relationships with each manufacturer's preferred inspection body. Some manufacturers have already obtained SANS certifications for their products and can provide test reports to the inspection body, which speeds up the CoC application process.
CoC Vault provides a centralised digital record of all solar inverter 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 solar inverters need a PVoC CoC?
Yes. Solar inverters are regulated goods under the SABS PVoC programme. They are high-voltage electrical products subject to compulsory SANS standards. A PVoC CoC from an SABS-accredited inspection body is required before shipment.
Which SANS standards apply to solar inverters?
The primary standards include SANS 62109 (safety of power converters for PV systems) and SANS 61000 (electromagnetic compatibility). Grid-tied inverters must also comply with NRS 097. The specific standards depend on the inverter type.
Do microinverters need a PVoC CoC?
Yes. Microinverters are regulated goods in the same way as string inverters. A PVoC CoC is required for each microinverter model imported.
Can one CoC cover multiple inverter models?
Generally no. A PVoC CoC is typically issued for a specific product model. A CoC for a 5 kW inverter does not cover a 10 kW version of the same product.
When does PVoC enforcement become mandatory for solar inverters?
20 September 2026. From that date, SARS Customs will check for valid PVoC CoCs on all regulated goods, including solar inverters.
Continue Learning
Your Solar Inverter Shipments Need a PVoC CoC
Solar inverters are regulated goods. 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; SANS 62368-1; SANS 60598; SANS 1841; SANS 1019. 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.