Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) September 2013

2  Product Conformity Assessment is a solution designed to ensure that specific products meet the requirements of the technical regulations and standards set by a regulatory authority in the importing country.  The program consists of verifying Product’s compliance with the requirements of applicable standards and technical regulations.  The evaluation is done following the review of reports from one or a combination of interventions such as laboratory testing, physical Inspection and factory audits.  The conformity of the products is evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity usually requested for customs clearance. What is a Conformity Assessment Program?

3 Product Conformity Assessment is needed to:  Prevent the importation of unsafe, sub-standard and/or counterfeit goods  Protect consumer’s health and safety and the environment  Safeguard local producers & Industry from unfair competition  Reduce the risk that the domestic market becomes the dumping ground for nonconforming products  Facilitate customs clearance process  Overcome the risk of rejection of the products in the country of destination  Promotes the image of the quality of the products Program’s Objectives

4 Benefits for the exporting countries  Improves economic growth and development  Facilitates trade and access export markets ( product counts with an added value)  Reduces the risk of rejection of the products by the importer and by the local market at the country of destination  Provides good information of the quality of the products (certified products = quality guarantee)  Generates trust in the client countries  Consumer confidence in products and services  Image of quality  Helps the private sector to solve the quality, compliance and certification problems

5 Depending on the nature of the product and certification scheme, the verification procedure may include one or a combination of the following activities:  Product testing  Physical Inspection  Factory and desk Audits  Documentary review Product’s conformity with defined requirements is evidenced by a document of compliance (e.g. Certificate of Conformity) issued by the Certification body following applicable certification standards (e.g. ISO Guide 65) Conformity Assessment procedure

6 Applicant Accredited Laboratory Inspection & Certification Body Product Information / Request for Certification Test Report Audit Report Inspection Report Certification Body (SGS) Product Experts (evaluation and analysis) Certification Manager (Decision to certify ) Parties and activities implied in the Product Conformity Assessment

7  Why is it needed?  Because the presentation of the CoC is a mandatory requirement in the importing country.  Are other certificates recognized or validated?  The fact of having other certifications does not exonerate the exporter or producer to obtain the CoC for a specific transaction  Having other types of certificates might help to reduce the scope of the intervention  Where is required? What for? Who needs it?  Destination Customs To clear the consignment The importer In the Bank To negotiate the LC The exporter In the Ministry / Bank To open an Import License The exporter More frequent questions on the need of the Certificate of Conformity

8 Some of the programs under Product Conformity Assessment Russia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan Customs Union Kurdistan region, Republic of Iraq Saudi Arabia Kenya Algeria Nigeria Ethiopia

9 Algeria  Mandate authorized by the Central Bank of Algeria  The scope of the program is to ensure conformity of imported products to the applicable technical regulation and standards  All transaction regulated by a letter of credit / cash against documents or being composed of consumer goods.  The attestation is through the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) / “Certificat de Controle de Qualité des Marchandises”  The purpose is the goods clearance or the letter of credit negotiation  The selection of the Certification body can be either Exporter / Importer’s choice

10 Saudi Arabia  Mandate authorized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry  The scope of the program is to ensure conformity of imported products to the applicable technical regulation and standards  The attestation is through the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)  The purpose of attestation is Custom clearance and Saudi Authorities post market surveillance  The selection of the Certification body is Exporter’s choice

11 Kurdistan / Iraq  Mandate authorized by Kurdistan Standardization and Quality Control Administration  The scope of the program is to assess and verify the conformance with Iraqi/Kurdish Standards and/or approved International Standards and certification of each compliant shipment  All consignments of imported goods subject to the Program  The attestation is through the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)  The purpose of attestation is Custom clearance and import of goods in Kurdish / Iraqi market  The selection of the Certification body is Exporter’s choice

12 Nigeria  Mandate authorized by The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)  The scope of the program is to assess and verify the conformance with Nigerian Industrial Standards and/or approved International Standards and certification of each compliant shipment  All consignments of imported goods subject to the Program  The attestation is through the issuance of a Product Certificate (unregistered, registered or licensed) and consequent issuance of Certificate of Conformity for each shipment.  The purpose of attestation is to obtain the SONCAP certificate in Nigeria directly.  The selection of the Certification body is Producer/ Exporter’s Choice

13 Kenya  PVoC program launched by KEBS (Kenyan Bureau of Standards)  Three certification routes: –Route A: consignment inspection and testing –Route B : Product registration –Route C: Licensing  Testing should be performed in accredited ISO/IEC laboratories  COC is a mandatory customs clearance document for each consignment.  Goods arriving without COC will be denied entry or penalties will be imposed at KEBS discretion.

14 Russia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan – Customs Union  Since 2010 Customs Union between Russia, Belorussia and Kazakhstan and creation of a Unique Certification System with Technical Regulation (similar to EU Directives) valid on the territories of these Countries.  Gost Certificate System still exists for those products for which Technical Regulation has not been issued yet.  Conformity to products to Technical Regulation Customs Union is assessed by issuance of a CoC or DoC to TR CU. Such documents can be issued only by Certification Bodies accredited for Customs Union.  Only goods with HS code indicated in the TR CU are subject to CoC or DoC TR CU.  The purpose of the CoC or DoC TR CU is Customs clearance, post market surveillance, installation and putting into operation.  The selection of the Certification body is Exporter’s choice

15  PCA fees depend on the scope of the program as well as the type and the level of interventions  In some of our programs, fees are established by our Principals  The fees are generally borne by the exporters Fees

16 Over 17,250 employees in North and Latin America Over 31,500 employees in Europe, Middle East & Africa Over 26,250 employees in Asia/Pacific SGS Network At the end of 2012 we employed approximatively employees. SGS operates a network of over 1,500 offices and laboratories around the world.

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