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The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has implemented a new standard conformity certification program to inspect certain categories of imported consumer goods. On June 9, 2010, a new program called Pre Export Conformity Certification (PVoC) was implemented, But the project was later suspended in October 2010. At present, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has restarted the project and will implement it for all batches containing controlled products shipped on or after December 3, 2012. The Pre Export Conformity Certification Program (PVoC) aims to ensure that imported controlled products comply with Uganda's recognized technical specifications (Ugandan standards or other recognized international standards) before shipment.

The main purpose of implementing pre export product standard conformity certification is to:

1. Ensuring product quality, safeguarding public health and consumer safety, and protecting the environment of Uganda are reflected in the categories of regulated products.

2. By conducting product conformity assessments in the exporting country to reduce the risk of unsafe and unqualified products entering Uganda, this will help ensure that consumers are protected from the hazards of unsafe and unqualified products, and also avoid unfair competition for local manufacturers in Uganda.

The guiding principle of this plan is based on Article 5 of the World Trade Organization on technical barriers to trade: the technical requirements applied to imported products from abroad must also be applied to domestically produced products.

Main features:

1. Each batch of imported goods containing controlled products shall obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the National Office authorized by the Uganda National Standards Authority to implement PVoC before export.

2. The PVoC certificate is a necessary document to ensure smooth customs clearance of imported goods in Uganda.

3. The PVoC certificate certifies that the product complies with the relevant technical specifications or recognized standards of Uganda.

4. The PVoC compliance certification program provides three certification pathways, and exporters can choose the certification method for export controlled products to Uganda based on their type and shipping frequency.

5. The PVoC conformity certification program includes conformity assessment, on-site inspection based on product risk, and product registration system, providing maximum flexibility for exporters/importers in proving that products comply with recognized technical specifications.

6. The plan is applicable to other export countries except East African cooperation countries (including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi).

Approach A - Testing, Inspection and Certification

The products shipped through route A need to undergo both product testing and on-site inspection to confirm that they meet relevant standards, key requirements, or manufacturer specifications.

This certification pathway applies to all products exported by traders or manufacturers, as well as to all trading parties. The certification process for pathway A is as follows:

Exporter submits Certification Request Form (RFC)

PVoC National Office Audit and Certification Application Form/Certification Document

PVoC National Office appoints designated inspectors to conduct on-site inspections

Perform bulk sampling testing

PVoC National Office issues Final Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Path B - Product Registration, Inspection and Certification

Pathway B is a fast certification process provided by the PVoC National Office for product registration, aimed at ensuring reasonable and stable quality of products.

This approach is particularly recommended for suppliers who frequently export similar goods. The registration and certification process for product B is as follows:

A. Product Registration

Exporter submits product registration application form to PVoC National Office

PVoC National Office reviews and registers application materials

B. Registration of product certification procedures

Submit Authentication Request Form (RFC)

PVoC National Office appoints designated inspectors to conduct on-site inspections

Perform random bulk sampling testing

PVoC National Office issues Final Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Path C - Product Registration

Pathway C is only applicable to manufacturers who can demonstrate the implementation of a quality management system during the production and manufacturing process. The PVoC National Office shall review the production procedures and registered products of the product

For suppliers who frequently/extensively export, this approach is particularly recommended. The product registration procedure for pathway C is as follows:

A. Product Registration

Exporter submits product registration application form to PVoC National Office

PVoC National Office reviews registration application materials

Perform product type testing

Regular factory inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the general principles of ISO Guide 28

B. The certification process for registering products

PVoC National Office appoints designated inspectors to conduct random bulk inspections

No need to perform bulk testing

Please consult NormalTCI for specific questions

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