Tanzania Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program – Overview

Tanzania’s Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program, administered by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards, requires regulated imported goods to undergo conformity assessment prior to export. Exporters must obtain a valid Certificate of Conformity from an authorized body based on documentation review, inspection, and, where necessary, testing. The CoC is mandatory for customs clearance and lawful market entry. The program enhances consumer protection, promotes product quality, and supports efficient trade into the Tanzanian market.

1. Purpose and Scope

Tanzania operates a mandatory Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program requiring specific imported goods to be assessed for compliance with applicable Tanzanian standards and technical regulations before shipment. The program is designed to ensure that products entering the Tanzanian market meet established safety, quality, and performance requirements.

The system helps prevent the importation of substandard or unsafe goods, protects consumers and local industry, and supports more efficient customs clearance procedures.

2. Government Authority

The PVoC Program is administered by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the national authority responsible for developing and enforcing standards in Tanzania. TBS appoints authorized conformity assessment bodies to carry out inspections, testing, and certification activities in exporting countries on its behalf.

3. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Regulated products must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by a TBS-authorized conformity assessment body prior to shipment.

The CoC confirms that the goods comply with applicable Tanzanian standards or approved equivalent international standards. Presentation of the CoC is mandatory for customs clearance upon arrival in Tanzania.

Shipments arriving without a valid CoC may be subject to penalties, destination inspection, delays, or possible rejection.

4. Products Subject to Verification

The PVoC Program applies to a broad range of regulated products that may impact health, safety, environmental protection, or fair trade. Product categories commonly subject to verification include:

• Electrical and electronic products

• Toys and children’s products

• Automotive products and spare parts

• Chemical and household products

• Textiles and related materials

• Furniture and paper products

• Personal protective equipment

• Food and food products

• Used products and machinery

Exporters must verify whether their products fall within the regulated HS code list maintained by TBS.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

Step 1 - Application and Documentation Submission  - Before shipment, exporters or their representatives submit a Request for Certification along with supporting documentation to an authorized conformity assessment body. Documentation typically includes product specifications, test reports, invoices, and packing lists.

Step 2 - Document Review - The conformity assessment body evaluates the submitted documentation to determine applicable standards and confirm whether existing test reports are acceptable.

Step 3 - Physical Inspection - A pre-shipment inspection is conducted to verify that the goods match the submitted documentation, labeling requirements are met, and quantities correspond to shipping details.

Step 4 - Testing (If Required) - Where documentary evidence is insufficient or unavailable, product samples may be tested in accredited laboratories to confirm compliance with applicable standards.

Step 5 - Certificate Issuance - Once documentary review, inspection, and testing requirements are satisfactorily completed, a Certificate of Conformity is issued for the specific shipment. The certificate must accompany the shipment for customs clearance.

6. Conformity Routes

The PVoC Program provides different certification routes depending on exporter profile and shipment frequency:

• Route A: Typically applied to occasional exporters or one-off shipments

• Route B: Designed for registered exporters with an established compliance history

• Route C: Intended for manufacturers with recognized quality management systems and consistent production controls

These routes may offer varying levels of documentation review, inspection frequency, and testing requirements.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

Exporters are responsible for:

• Confirming whether their products are subject to the PVoC Program

• Submitting complete and accurate documentation

• Coordinating inspections and testing where required

• Obtaining a valid Certificate of Conformity before shipment

Importers must:

• Ensure regulated goods are shipped with a valid CoC

• Present conformity documentation to Tanzanian customs authorities

• Confirm compliance prior to distribution or sale within Tanzania

Non-compliance may result in financial penalties, customs delays, additional inspection, or rejection of goods.

8. Objectives of the Program

The Tanzania PVoC Program aims to:

• Protect consumers from unsafe and substandard products

• Ensure imported goods comply with national standards

• Prevent unfair competition from non-compliant imports

• Facilitate more efficient customs clearance procedures

• Strengthen regulatory control over imported goods

How SANTIQ Can Assist

SANTIQ helps exporters navigate Tanzania’s PVoC program by coordinating with TBS-authorized conformity assessment bodies and accredited testing laboratories. We assist clients in preparing documentation, arranging inspections and testing, and managing the certification process to secure the required Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before shipment. By addressing compliance requirements early, SANTIQ ensures smoother customs clearance, reduces delays or penalties, and enables reliable market access into Tanzania.