Children's Toys — Phase 1
Toy Import Safety Standards & 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
Children's toys (mandatory)
SANS Code
SANS 10436 (ISO 8124) — VERIFIED
Typical CIF Range
R150k–R1.5M per shipment
Minting Fee Example
R3,000–R30,000 (2% 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 Toy Products Are in Scope
Phase 1 covers children's toys and related products imported from Mainland China, including: children's toys (all categories — mechanical, electronic, soft toys), plastic kitchenware (children's plates, cups, cutlery), toy accessories and parts, and educational toys and games. The applicable SANS code is SANS 10436, which is the South African equivalent of ISO 8124 (Safety of Toys).
SANS Reference
Applicable SANS Standards
The primary SANS code for toys is SANS 10436, which is based on ISO 8124 (Safety of Toys). It covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical migration, and electrical safety for battery-operated toys. Note: SANS 10436 is the correct standard for toys. Do not confuse it with SANS 51 (electrical cable standard) or SANS 50071 (which does not exist for toys). 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 toy shipment need a CoC?
Yes. Children's toys imported from China are in scope for Phase 1 PVoC. The applicable standard is SANS 10436 (based on ISO 8124). Your inspection body (CCIC, SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas) must verify the toys against this standard before they ship from China.
What about plastic kitchenware for children?
Yes. Plastic kitchenware designed for children (plates, cups, cutlery) imported from China is in scope. SANS 10436 covers chemical migration requirements relevant to food-contact plastics.
My toys already have CE marking — does that replace the CoC?
No. CE marks satisfy European toy safety requirements (EN 71). They do not automatically satisfy South African SANS 10436 requirements. The inspection body will review your CE documentation as supporting evidence, but the CoC must still be issued for each shipment.
What is the correct SANS code for toys?
SANS 10436, which is based on ISO 8124. Do not use SANS 51 (an electrical cable standard) or any other code. If your inspection body or supplier mentions a different SANS code for toys, verify it against sansstandards.co.za.
Minting Fee Worked Example
What Does a Toys CoC Cost to Register?
The CoC Vault minting fee is tiered based on the declared CIF value of the shipment. For a typical commercial toy shipment from China:
| Shipment CIF Value | Tier | Minting Fee |
|---|---|---|
| R200,000 (small toy order) | 2% tier | R4,000 |
| R500,000 (medium toy order) | 2% tier | R10,000 |
| R900,000 (large toy order) | 2% tier | R18,000 |
| R1,500,000 (bulk toy import) | 1% tier | R15,000 |
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
Toys Inspection Pitfalls to Avoid
Small parts not tested for choking hazard
SANS 10436 requires testing for small parts that could pose a choking hazard for children under 36 months. Toys with detachable small parts must be tested. This is the most common failure point for toy CoCs.
Chemical migration limits exceeded
SANS 10436 sets limits for chemical migration from toy materials (heavy metals, phthalates, etc.). Products using non-compliant paints or plastics will fail. Verify material composition with your supplier before ordering.
Wrong SANS code cited
SANS 10436 is the correct standard for toys. Some inspection bodies or suppliers may cite SANS 71 (an older standard) or ISO 8124 directly. Ensure the CoC specifically references SANS 10436.
Age labelling missing or incorrect
SANS 10436 requires age-appropriate labelling (e.g., 'Not suitable for children under 3 years') on toys with small parts. Missing or incorrect age labelling will prevent the CoC from being issued.
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 Toy 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.