South African importers, exporters, manufacturers, and customs stakeholders have been given a temporary reprieve following the announcement that the proposed Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme has been placed on hold. Originally intended to introduce mandatory pre-shipment inspections for certain goods imported from China, the programme has generated significant discussion both locally and internationally. Following feedback from industry stakeholders and comments raised through the World Trade Organization (WTO), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), has suspended implementation while further consultations take place. Below is the official stakeholder update issued by SABS on 25 June 2026.

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SABS

STAKEHOLDERS UPDATE

PRE-SHIPMENT VERIFICATION OF CONFORMITY (PVoC) PROGRAMME:

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), wishes to inform all importers, exporters, manufacturers, industry associations, customs clearing agents, regulators, conformity assessment bodies, and other interested stakeholders of developments relating to the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme.

Following comments received through the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) process as well as feedback from industry stakeholders, the implementation of the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme for certain unregulated products imported from the People’s Republic of China has been placed in abeyance. This deferral takes effect immediately and will remain in force pending the conclusion of the ongoing consultation process. Accordingly, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), has placed on hold all activities associated with the operationalization of the proposed PVoC Programme, including implementation readiness activities, while further consultations are undertaken. During this period, no implementation actions will be progressed until the consultation process has been concluded and a further decision has been made.

Stakeholders are therefore advised that:

• Exporter registration and onboarding activities will not proceed at this stage.
• Inspection, verification, certification, and related readiness activities associated with the PVoC Programme will not proceed until further notice.
• Stakeholders are encouraged to continue providing comments, inputs, and recommendations on the implementation framework and Ministerial Directive.
• All comments and submissions received will be considered as part of the ongoing review process.
• The review process will consider WTO member comments, stakeholder submissions, diplomatic engagements, and implementation considerations.
• Consideration will also be given to the potential expansion of the Phase 1 implementation approach beyond the People’s Republic of China to ensure a transparent, fair, non-discriminatory, and internationally aligned framework.
• Existing regulatory, customs, and import requirements currently applicable in South Africa remain unchanged and continue to apply.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme advances quality assurance, consumer protection, fair trade, compliance with applicable standards and technical regulations, effective enforcement, and the facilitation of legitimate trade. We appreciate the continued participation, constructive engagement, and valuable contributions of all stakeholders throughout this consultation process.

Issued by:
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

Date of Issue:
25 June 2026

Website:
www.sabs.co.za

For further information, monitor official communications from SABS (www.sabs.co.za) and the dtic.