Approvals for Africa

Selling into the African Market

The African market is growing - take advantage of the untapped sales opportunities and good earning prospects. We will test your products for compliance with regulations in Algeria, Nigeria, and South Africa. Our experts will also keep you up-to-date on the latest import and customs regulations. We will also oversee the shipping of your goods - even at short notice.

Benefits at a Glance

With TÜV Rheinland product approval, you will:

  • Gain quicker market access
  • Competitively position your products with our independent third party approval
  • Benefit from our fast turn around times, years of experience and expertise

Our Services for Approval for Africa

  • Regulatory research and consultation
  • Documentation requirements and management
  • Coordination of in-country testing and local representation
  • Preparation and submittal of country-specific application packages
  • Comprehensive project tracking and monitoring
  • Multi-country turn-key approvals
  • Central knowledge database to meet all regulatory needs
  • Compiling the technical files and submittal with the target market country regulators or certification bodies
  • Project management with weekly updates on target market approval status from receipt of technical file, start of tests (if any), review certification and planned lead times
  • Early updates on target market labeling, packaging requirements, required translations and regulatory statements
  • Training, research and seminars

Algeria

Most imports to Algeria require a certificate of compliance, the so-called certificat de contrôle de qualité de la marchandise. As an independent testing agency, we will confirm the scope of your delivery, as well as its compliance with the Algerian standards. This certificate of conformity is valid for one delivery only. It is assigned a unique invoice number to avoid confusion. We will gladly oversee a product check before shipping - even at short notice. This final inspection is required for certification. We will naturally also inspect the contents of multiple deliveries. Other documents required for imports include the certificat d'origine, issued by your local chamber of commerce, or the certificat phytosanitaire, which applies to goods in the food industry.

Product Examples

  • Cosmetics and Toiletries
  • Vehicle Parts
  • Household Appliances (Gas or Electric)
  • Bathroom Fittings
  • Textiles and Leather Products
  • Clothing and Toys

Nigeria

The Standard Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP)

The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) carries out the state-mandated conformity assessment program, or CAP. SONCAP approvals consist of a general product certificate (PC) and a SONCAP certificate (SC). Both are required for regulated imports to Nigeria.

Valid for 3 Years: The Product Certificate

The product certificate for exports is valid for a maximum of three years. It proves product conformity with national or international regulations, as recognized by SONCAP. The SONCAP certificate confirms the existence of a valid product certificate. Furthermore, it records the results of the final inspection before the delivery was shipped. It is therefore valid for one delivery only.

TÜV Rheinland - Notified Body

Customs authorities require SONCAP certificates, which must be issued by a notified body, such as TÜV Rheinland. Missing certificates may result in penalties, as well as additional testing in local laboratories. Goods that test negatively in Nigeria will be confiscated. TÜV Rheinland is authorized to conduct the necessary tests here - in the exporter's own country.

South Africa

Safety and EMC inspections are mandatory for most electrical consumer goods imported to South Africa. Let us help you with your exports to South Africa. We will draft and submit your Letter of Authority - a special letter of credit required by customs. We can also issue safety approval according to guidelines established by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This "Certificate of Conformance" proves the compliance of your products with recognized international standards.