Egypt Product Conformity Assessment (VoC) Program – Overview

Egypt’s VoC program, overseen by GOEIC and the NFSA for food products, is a mandatory pre-shipment compliance system. Regulated goods must undergo inspection, documentation review, and testing before issuance of a Certificate of Conformity or Certificate of Inspection, which is required for customs clearance. The program ensures consumer safety, maintains product quality, and supports fair trade across all regulated imports.

1. Purpose and Scope

Egypt requires certain imported products to undergo a conformity assessment before they can be legally cleared through customs. The Verification of Conformity (VoC) program ensures consumer protection, product safety, and compliance with technical standards. It prevents the entry of substandard or hazardous goods and facilitates smoother customs clearance.

2. Government Authority

The program is administered by the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), which operates under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. GOEIC manages the registration of exporters, sets conformity requirements, and oversees inspection and certification of non-food products. Food and food contact products fall under a parallel program managed by the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA).

3. Certificate of Conformity / Certificate of Inspection

Regulated goods must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or, in some cases, a Certificate of Inspection (CoI). These certificates confirm that products meet Egyptian technical, quality, and safety standards. They must be obtained before export and presented to customs to allow clearance.

4. Products Subject to Verification

The VoC program covers a broad range of products, including:

• Electrical and electronic goods

• Textiles and leather products

• Paper and printed materials

• Consumer products requiring safety verification

Food and food contact products are regulated under the NFSA program, including dairy, beverages, meat, and packaged foods.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

Step 1: Registration
Exporters or manufacturers register with GOEIC to participate in the program.

Step 2: Submission of Documentation
Exporters provide invoices, packing lists, technical specifications, and relevant test reports to an authorized conformity assessment provider.

Step 3: Physical Inspection and Sampling
Inspections verify product identity, labeling, packaging, and conformity with documentation. Sampling and testing may be performed when required.

Step 4: Review and Testing
The assessment body reviews documentation and testing results to confirm compliance with applicable standards.

Step 5: Certificate Issuance
After verification, the conformity assessment provider issues the Certificate of Conformity or Certificate of Inspection, which must accompany the shipment for customs clearance.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Exporters:

• Determine whether products are regulated under the VoC program

• Register with GOEIC (or NFSA for food products)

• Provide complete documentation and facilitate inspection/testing

• Obtain the required certificate before shipment

Importers:

• Confirm that shipments have a valid certificate

• Present the certificate to customs for clearance

• Ensure regulatory compliance prior to distribution

Shipments without a certificate may be delayed, inspected further, or refused.

7. Objectives of the VoC Program

• Protect Consumers: Ensure imported products are safe and meet quality standards

• Uphold Product Quality: Confirm compliance with Egyptian technical and safety standards

• Support Fair Trade: Prevent substandard goods from undercutting local products

• Facilitate Trade: Streamline customs clearance for verified shipments

How SANTIQ Can Assist

SANTIQ helps exporters navigate Egypt’s VoC requirements by coordinating with our network of authorized inspection bodies and accredited testing laboratories. We support clients in preparing technical documentation, reviewing existing test reports, and arranging the necessary product inspections and testing before shipment. Through early compliance planning and partner coordination, SANTIQ helps ensure that the required Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Certificate of Inspection (CoI) is obtained efficiently, reducing delays and supporting smooth customs clearance into Egypt.