Used Goods Imports South Africa: Does a CoC Apply?

The General Rule

PVoC Applies Regardless of Age or Condition

The SABS PVoC product scope is defined by product category and HS code, not by whether goods are new or used. If a product falls within the regulated product scope, it requires a PVoC CoC regardless of its age or condition. This applies to used electrical appliances, used toys, used building materials, and any other used regulated goods.

The assumption that used goods are exempt from PVoC because they are "second-hand" is incorrect. SARS Customs will check for a valid CoC on regulated goods regardless of whether they are new or used.

From 20 September 2026, used regulated goods arriving without a valid CoC will be detained by SARS Customs in the same way as new regulated goods without a CoC.

Practical Challenges

Why Used Goods Are Harder to Certify

Obtaining a PVoC CoC for used goods is more challenging than for new goods. For new goods, the manufacturer can provide test reports and technical documentation. For used goods, this documentation may not be available, and the goods may have been modified or degraded since manufacture.

Inspection bodies will typically require a physical inspection of used goods to assess their condition and compliance. This inspection may be more thorough and time-consuming than for new goods, and the cost may be higher. In some cases, the inspection body may require testing of individual units rather than batch testing.

Importers of used regulated goods should contact an SABS-accredited inspection body early in the procurement process to understand the inspection requirements and costs before committing to a purchase.

Limited Exemptions

When Used Goods May Be Exempt

There are limited exemptions for used goods. Personal effects — goods that are the personal property of an individual relocating to South Africa — may be exempt from PVoC requirements under certain conditions. This exemption is narrow and does not apply to commercial imports of used goods.

Goods that are not in the regulated product scope are not subject to PVoC regardless of whether they are new or used. Importers should check the SABS PVoC product scope against their HS codes to confirm whether their specific goods are regulated.

The de minimis exemption (for low-value shipments) may also apply to some used goods imports. Check the current de minimis threshold with an SABS-accredited inspection body or SARS Customs.

Compliance Approach

How to Handle PVoC for Used Goods

The compliance approach for used regulated goods is the same as for new goods: engage an SABS-accredited inspection body, have the goods inspected, and obtain a CoC before shipment. The inspection body will advise on the specific inspection requirements for used goods in the relevant product category.

Once the inspection body issues a CoC, register it on CoC Vault to create a tamper-evident digital record and verification URL for SARS Customs.