PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) for Exports to Uganda

Exporting to Uganda? You now require a Certificate of Conformity for products regulated under the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC).

UNBS Responsibilities

UNBS is responsible for the adoption and application of the standards for both imported and domestically manufactured products in the Ugandan market. The PVoC Standards Programme is a conformity assessment and verification procedure applied to specific Goods/Products at the respective exporting countries, to ensure their compliance with the applicable Ugandan Technical Regulations and Mandatory Standards or approved equivalents.

The primary objective of applying Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to Standards Programme is:

Ensure quality of products, health and safety

Protect the environment for Ugandans

Meet requirements of the PVoC

All consignments subject to PVoC must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by an authorized PVoC Agent, such as DASH, prior to shipment. The CoC is a mandatory document for Customs Clearance in Uganda; consignments arriving at Ugandan Ports without this document will be denied entry into the country.

The key elements undertaken in the PVoC are: 

Physical inspection prior to shipment

Sampling, testing and analysis in accredited laboratories

Quality Audit of production processes

Documentary review of conformity with regulations

Issuance of Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Non Conformity Report (NCR) as appropriate.

To assure its consumers of the quality and safety of imported goods, the Government of Uganda through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) implemented a series of guidelines known as a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC).

The PVoC verifies the conformity of all regulated products and enforces their standards. 

The benefits of the PVoC are:

• Simplify customs clearance process.
• Avert the importation of unsafe, sub-standard and/or counterfeit goods
• Guarantees value for money since goods are inspected and tested before export.
• Offers consumers and other stakeholders with added confidence.
• Offers your company a competitive edge.
• Reduces the risk of the domestic market becoming a dumping ground for nonconforming products
• Safeguards local producers & Industry from unfair competition
• Protect consumer’s health and safety and the environment

Compliance to PVoC requirements are applicable in addition to any existing import processes. Every consignment of regulated products exported to Uganda must have a Certificate of Conformity.

Uganda PVoC Importer and Exporter Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Exporters and Importers of the Uganda PVoC Programme

Importers

Ensure their suppliers are conversant with import quality requirements and that their consignments are accompanied with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the authorized PVoC Agent.

Exporters

Ensure their products or goods meet the regulations and quality requirements of Uganda before shipment by obtaining the necessary Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the authorized PVoC Service Provider for all products subject to the PVoC programme. Failure to do so will result in a penalty and a destination inspection being applied. Consignments that do not meet the standards of the PVoC will either be re-exported to the country of origin or destroyed at the exporters cost.

UNBS:  Ensures that only quality goods gain entry into the country, thereby offering the necessary protection to Uganda's consumers in safety, health and environmental matters.