The Ivorian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Promotion of SMEs has confirmed the restart of the suspended conformity assessment program on 15 February 2019 (see also the message of 14 November 2018).
Exporters can currently apply for a certificate of conformity on a voluntary basis before shipping their goods. Its submission allows easier customs clearance in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to the test company Cotecna, there will be a certification requirement for the following 13 product groups during the pilot phase from 15 February:
- Food
- Electrical and electronic products (including renewable energy products)
- Cosmetics and hygiene products
- Construction materials
- Packaging materials
- Vehicle spare parts and accessories, lubricants
- Machinery
- Pressure Equipment
- Personal safety equipment
- Products that can pose a threat to health, safety and the environment, such as tobacco, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, insecticides
- Textiles
- Shoes
- Toys.
After the pilot phase, the conformity check will be extended to all imported goods with a FOB value of more than one million francs CFA (EUR 1,525), except for those listed in an exception list.
For the implementation of the program, the Ministère du Commerce de l’Industrie et de la Promotion of PME has entrusted the four audit firms Bureau Veritas, Cotecna, Intertek and SGS.
Source: GTAI (German language only)
