SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, provides the latest updates for importers, exporters and manufacturers working in Ivory Coast markets.

With the structure of Ivory Coast imports changing, the country’s product conformity assessment (PCA) program has been extended to June 30, 2025, covering:
- Certain health, safety and environmental products
- Footwear
- Packaging
- Pressure equipment
- Toys
- Construction materials
- Automotive spare parts, accessories and lubricants
- Food products
- Cosmetic and personal hygiene products
- Electrical, electronic and renewable energy products
- Textiles

On July 1, 2024, custom circular 2309/MFB/DGD came into effect for the labeling of new imported electric lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, applying to importers, distributors and resellers of these items.

Product registration can be completed by applying for either a Statement of Registration (SOR) or a Statement of Licensure. This does not replace a certificate of conformity (CoC). However, voluntary certification is suitable for importers who can ensure their products comply with the Ivory Coast’s national standards/technical regulations; where those products are not subject to the requirements of the Verification of Conformity program, and where shipments are below the minimum threshold value.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for Ivory Coast are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter.

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to enter its third year as an approved provider of PCA services to Morocco.

The country’s market surveillance program was launched in 2020 and has continuously evolved to cover a list of 41 product categories. Recent updates to these include:
- Building hardware: these products have been included in the list of products subject to inspection upon arrival since February 2024. Two specific types are concerned:
1. Vertical mortise locks known as "simple 150" locks, security warded locks, or cylinder security locks
2. Lock cylinders
These products are inspected according to three applicable Moroccan standards
- Adhesive tapes: these products have been included in the list of products subject to inspection and verification upon arrival since February 2024. Inspection is carried out according to the mandatory Moroccan norme marocaine (NM) standard 03.5.359-2022
- High-adhesion bars and coils, steel products and sandwich panels: mandatory NM certification against 16 Moroccan standards came into effect on August 2, 2024
- Gas appliances and equipment: following Ministerial Order No. 1616.22 concerning the safety of gas appliances and equipment, requirements related to the Cم (CMIM) declaration of conformity, the technical dossier and CMIM marking have been included. This mandatory requirement will take effect from December 20, 2024

As an accredited IEC/ISO 17020 service provider, SGS offers an innovative, dedicated software platform, expert certification centers organized by field of expertise and file analysis/field teams to ensure the proper control of goods.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for Morocco are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter. 

About SGS 
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, explores regulatory requirements for ceramic tile products, including porcelain, for exporters to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is granted by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, for products eligible to enter the country’s ports or to be sold on Saudi markets. Under the Technical Regulation for Building Materials, Part 4: Bricks, Tiles, Ceramics, Sanitary Ware and Related Products, businesses must meet ISO/IEC 1706 quality standards.

The SQM certification scheme includes all different types of ceramic tiles; glazed or unglazed, exterior or interior, flooring or cladding; whether they are manufactured through pressing or extrusion, and with all different levels of water absorption capacities. All manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters of ceramic tile products can apply for the SQM.

Ceramic tile grouts and adhesives are reviewed against specific standards, requirements and classifications. Characteristics and markings are also evaluated against international standards and SASO regulations.

As a SASO-approved conformity assessment service provider, SGS help businesses towards SQM certification with documentation, testing, labeling and quality management guidance.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for Saudi Arabia are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter.

About SGS 
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to provide pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) services for the Republic of South Sudan.

Joining the East African Community (EAC) in 2016, South Sudan’s young and growing economy provides excellent trade opportunities. Approved by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) for the provision of PVoC services for all imported goods, SGS assists businesses in obtaining a certificate of conformity (CoC), which must be presented at ports of entry for the clearance of consignments.

Traders can request a CoC through the SGS Exporter Portal and guidance is available for the following certification options:
- Route A: applicable to suppliers/manufacturers importing products into South Sudan, who present regular shipments or export products identified to be of high risk.
- Route B (registration): a fast-tracked route, applicable to suppliers/manufacturers with valid quality management systems and frequent shipments to South Sudan, that are homogenous. Registration is renewable annually, subject to consistent compliance.
- Route C (licensing): this is a licensing process: a fast-track route offered to manufacturers with valid quality management systems in place who frequently import homogenous goods to South Sudan. Certificates are issued after proven conformance to the country’s standards for the manufacturing process. Licenses are renewable annually, subject to consistent compliance.

Goods arriving without a CoC can be subject to penalties of up to 40% of the cost, insurance and freight value (CIF). Import licenses can also be withdrawn and further legal action taken according to the relevant laws.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for South Sudan are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter.

About SGS 
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.