Solar PV Products — Phase 1
Solar Panel Import Compliance & PVoC Requirements
Phase 1 goods from Mainland China require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by an accredited inspection body before they ship. From 20 September 2026, SARS Customs and the Border Management Authority (BMA) will refuse clearance for any Phase 1 shipment without a valid CoC.
Quick Facts
Phase 1 Category
Solar PV products (mandatory)
SANS Codes
SANS 62368-1, SANS 60335-2-29
Typical CIF Range
R500k–R5M per shipment
Minting Fee Example
R5,000–R50,000 (1% tier)
Inspection Bodies
CCIC, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas
Gazette
GG 54374 · 20 March 2026
Mandatory Deadline
20 Sep 2026 · 142 Days
Phase 1 Scope
What Solar Products Are in Scope
Phase 1 covers all solar PV products imported from Mainland China, including: solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film), solar inverters (string, hybrid, off-grid), lithium batteries and battery storage systems, charge controllers, and solar-ready consumer electronics. The applicable SANS codes are SANS 62368-1 (audio/video/IT equipment) and SANS 60335-2-29 (battery chargers). Every shipment of these goods from China requires a separate CoC from an authorised inspection body before the goods leave China.
SANS Reference
Applicable SANS Standards
The primary SANS codes for solar PV products are SANS 62368-1 (safety requirements for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment — covers inverters and solar electronics) and SANS 60335-2-29 (household and similar electrical appliances — battery chargers). For the authoritative SANS code reference, visit sansstandards.co.za.
Structural Comparison
With CoC vs Without CoC
| Attribute | Without CoC | With CoC (Registered on Vault) |
|---|---|---|
| CoC Status | No CoC — goods held at port | Valid CoC — goods cleared |
| Port Delay | R3,000–R8,000/day demurrage | No delay — SAD500 clears |
| Penalty Risk | Potential 15% CIF surcharge (East African precedent) | No penalty |
| Document Retention | Non-compliant — Customs Act §101 not satisfied | 5-year encrypted retention |
| Verification Method | Paper-based, manual, slow | QR code scan — verified in seconds |
| Clearing Agent Workflow | SAD500 rejected — goods held | Verification URL in SAD500 — cleared |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Does my solar inverter need a CoC?
Yes. Solar inverters imported from China are in scope for Phase 1 PVoC. The applicable standard is SANS 62368-1. Your inspection body (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas) must verify the inverter against this standard before it ships from China.
What about lithium batteries?
Yes. Lithium battery storage systems imported from China are in scope. The applicable standard is SANS 60335-2-29 for battery chargers. Standalone battery packs may also fall under SANS 62368-1 depending on their classification.
Can I get one CoC for a mixed shipment of panels and inverters?
No. Each product category may require a separate CoC if the applicable SANS codes differ. Discuss this with your inspection body before the shipment is loaded.
My solar panels already have CE and IEC certifications — do I still need a CoC?
Yes. CE marks are European conformity marks and do not automatically satisfy South African SANS requirements. IEC certifications are useful supporting evidence but do not replace the PVoC CoC. The inspection body will review your existing certifications as part of the process.
Minting Fee Worked Example
What Does a Solar CoC Cost to Register?
The CoC Vault minting fee is tiered based on the declared CIF value of the shipment. For a typical commercial solar shipment from China:
| Shipment CIF Value | Tier | Minting Fee |
|---|---|---|
| R500,000 (small residential system) | 2% tier | R10,000 |
| R1,200,000 (medium commercial system) | 1% tier | R12,000 |
| R3,500,000 (large commercial/industrial) | 1% tier | R35,000 |
| R15,000,000 (utility-scale component order) | 0.5% tier | R75,000 |
CIF tiers: ≤R1M = 2%, R1M–R10M = 1%, R10M–R100M = 0.5%. The R1,997 onboarding fee is a one-time payment per importer entity — not per shipment.
Common Inspection Failures
Solar PV Inspection Pitfalls to Avoid
Wrong HS code for inverters vs panels
Solar panels and inverters have different HS codes. Panels typically fall under HS 8541.40 (photovoltaic cells), while inverters fall under HS 8504.40 (static converters). Using the wrong HS code on the CoC will cause a mismatch with the SAD500.
Battery chemistry not specified
Lithium battery CoCs must specify the battery chemistry (LiFePO4, NMC, etc.) and the applicable safety standard. A generic CoC for 'lithium batteries' without chemistry specification may not be accepted.
CE marking assumed to satisfy SANS 62368-1
CE marking satisfies European LVD/EMC requirements. It does not automatically satisfy SANS 62368-1. The inspection body must specifically test against the SANS standard.
Inspection done after goods loaded
The inspection must happen before the bill of lading is signed. Inspection done after loading — even at the port of departure — is not valid for PVoC purposes.
Continue Learning
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context for the SABS PVoC programme.
Phase 1 Sectors Hub
All five Phase 1 sectors with SANS codes and inspection guidance.
How to Brief Your Chinese Supplier
Practical guide to managing the supplier relationship during PVoC implementation.
How Much Does a CoC Cost?
Honest breakdown of CoC costs including the tiered minting fee.
sansstandards.co.za
The South African National Standards catalogue.
Register Your Solar Import Entity
R1,997 one-time onboarding. Each CoC registration takes minutes. Have your vault active before 20 September 2026.
Verify with official sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026). sansstandards.co.za for applicable SANS codes. This article reflects the regulatory position as at 30 April 2026 and should not be relied upon as legal advice.