1 Tanzania Certification Implementation
The certificate of conformity (COC) is a necessary document to ensure the smooth clearance of goods. This certificate proves that the products conform to the relevant Tanzanian technical regulations and national, regional and international standards. Failure to submit conformity certificates issued by inspection agencies can lead to delays in customs clearance or fines or even the return of goods to the exporting country.
Goods exported to Tanzania need to apply for COC before exporting. If the goods arrive at the destination port after December 30, 2011, they need to provide COC customs clearance. Otherwise, customers may not be able to smoothly clear the customs.
2 The latest development of COC certification in Tanzania
Tanzania implements COC (Certificate of Conformity) from February 1, 2012, which belongs to pre-shipment inspection. All products listed in the Tanzanian controlled catalogue need to apply for COC before shipment, otherwise they cannot be cleared at the destination port. Unlike previous Tanzanian shipment inspections, Tanzanian COC needs to apply before shipment, and once the cargo has left the port, it will not be able to replenish the COC. In addition, Tanzania COC also needs to submit product testing reports and other information for document review before approval can arrange pre-shipment inspection and obtain COC certificate.
3. The Purpose of Implementing the New COC Policy in Tanzania
1) Ensure that imported products comply with local laws, regulations and related technical standards.
2) Restrict the import of substandard, counterfeit and inferior products into Tanzania
3) Improving the market competitiveness of products that meet the standards
4) Protect domestic consumers, producers, the environment and public safety from the hazards of inferior products
5) Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) directly authorizes Tanzanian COC certificates to help exporters to Tanzania implement pre-shipment inspection and issue COC certificates.
List of Controlled Products in Tanzania
The following is a list of product control:
1) Toys and sporting goods
2) Electrical and electronic equipment
3) automobile
4) Chemical products
5) Mechanical materials and gas appliances
6) Paper and stationery
7) Furniture, wood and metal products
8) Safety (personal protective equipment)
9) Food and food products
10) Products used
1) TOYS AND SPORTS
2) ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICAS
3) AUTOMOTIVE
4) CHEMICAL PRODUCTS
5) MECHANISM MATERIAS AND GAS APPLIANCE
6) PAPER AND STATIONERY
7) FUINITURE WOOD & METAL ARTICLES
8) SAFETY (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE) EQUIPMENT
9) FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS
10) USED PRODUCTS
5 Tanzania COC Certification Procedure
Approach A - Testing and Inspection Certification
Products shipped should be tested and inspected at the same time to verify that the products meet relevant standards, key requirements or manufacturer's specifications. This certification approach applies to all products exported by traders or manufacturers, as well as to all traders. Approach A certification procedures are listed below:
A. Exporters submit certification application forms (RFC)
B. PVoC National Office Audits Certification Application Form/Certification Document
C. PVoC National Office appoints designated inspectors to perform on-site inspections
D. Implementing bulk sampling tests
E. Certificate of Final Compliance (CoC) issued by the PVoC National Office
Way B - Product Registration, Inspection and Certification
Product registration by the PVoC National Office provides a rapid certification process for products of reasonable and stable quality. This approach is especially recommended for suppliers who frequently export similar goods. Approach B product registration and certification procedures are as follows:
A. Product registration
Exporters submit application forms for product registration to the PVoC National Office
PVoC National Office Examines Registration Application Data
B. Certification procedures for registered products
Submitting Application Form for Certification (RFC)
The National Office of PVoC appoints designated inspectors to perform on-site inspections
Perform random bulk sampling tests
Certificate of Final Compliance (CoC) issued by PVoC National Office
Way C - Product Registration
Applicable only to manufacturers who can prove the implementation of quality management system in the manufacturing process. The PVoC National Office reviews the production process of the product and the application process of registered products for COC/PVOC in Tanzania:
1. The information provided by customers includes invoice-packing list, product inspection report and PVOC application form.
II. Data Audit
3. Arrange the date of inspection after the approval of data audit
4. After passing the inspection, the customer provides the final commercial invoice and packing list and arranges the issuance of the certificate.
