BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 22, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce the five-year renewal of its mandate from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Central African Republic (CAR) to deliver pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) services.

Effective March 2026, this renewal ensures the continuity of SGS’s PVoC services in the CAR and reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening consumer protection, compliance with national and international standards, product quality and the efficient flow of trade.

Strengthened PVoC

Certificates of conformity (CoC), based on a bill of lading, air waybill (AWB) or road transport document, are now mandatory for all products classified under Chapters 02 to 99 of the Harmonized System.

To enhance control and traceability, certification data is now electronically integrated into the customs management system, enabling automated verification processes.

Shipments without a valid CoC will be blocked from customs clearance. Non-compliant products or those deemed unfit for consumption may be subject to re-export or destruction by the competent authorities at the importer’s expense.

Key takeaways for stakeholders

The renewal signifies that the PVoC program and the accompanying CoC remain mandatory for all regulated products exported to the CAR and will continue to be delivered through SGS’s extensive global network. Three certification routes are available, with fees exclusive of laboratory testing, manufacturer license, registration fees, bulk shipment sampling and reinspection.

Through close collaboration with government authorities and economic operators, SGS continues to support trade facilitation in the CAR by leveraging experienced local teams, recognized technical expertise and advanced digital solutions tailored to evolving global trade requirements.

Further details of SGS’s PCA services for CAR are available in the Q2 PCA newsletter.