BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / March 17, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is reminding businesses trading with the Central African Republic (CAR) that all regulated products shipped on or after April 1, 2026, must be accompanied by a valid certificate of conformity (CoC) under the national pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) program. Good arriving without a valid CoC will be refused entry and importers may face penalties under national law.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) has renewed SGS’s mandate to provide PVoC services for goods entering the CAR market for the period 2026-2031. The renewal reflects the government’s continued confidence in SGS’s technical expertise, integrity‑driven processes and long‑standing partnership in strengthening product safety and consumer protection.

Under the updated program, all products classified under Chapters 02 to 99 of the Harmonized System require a mandatory CoC, determined by the date of the bill of lading, air waybill (AWB) or road transport document. Cargo shipped without a valid CoC will not be cleared by Customs and, in accordance with Article 221 of Law 16.006 of December 30, 2016, violations may result in fines ranging from XAF 300,000 to XAF 25,000,000.

Products accompanied by a noncompliance report or identified as unfit for consumption may be destroyed or re-exported by Customs or the MCI at the importer’s expense.

Importers and exporters are encouraged to prepare early and ensure full compliance ahead of the April 1, 2026, enforcement date. They can access further information on the SGS website.

For further information, please contact:

Bobby Byll

Business Development Director Africa

Tel: +241 074 88 76 69