Growing focus on pre-shipment compliance

Stricter regulatory oversight and growing compliance requirements for imported goods are increasing the importance of product testing and conformity assessment in cross-border trade across Africa. According to Johan Eksteen, business manager for Connectivity & Products at SGS South Africa, ensuring that products meet regulatory standards before shipment can play a critical role in preventing delays and border disruptions. “Cross-border players often face a fragmented regulatory landscape, inconsistent border enforcement and delays linked to compliance verification. These challenges can be mitigated through proactive product testing, early acquisition of conformity documentation and collaboration with reputable TIC bodies such as SGS,” he said. “Ensuring that regulated goods already have validated test evidence before shipment significantly reduces clearance risk.” He said that across the region, there was a definite shift toward greater digitalisation of customs processes, improved traceability systems and tighter regulatory oversight of imported goods, especially electronic and safety- critical products. “Regional harmonisation across African economic communities is gradually improving predictability, while demand for compliance documentation continues to grow.” Eksteen said SGS C&P had strengthened its support for clients involved in cross- border trade through expanded conformity assessment services and deeper technical capability in product testing. “A key value-add for our clients is our ability to perform pre- export testing that answers the specific regulatory requirements of markets such as Kenya, which have opted for destination inspections. By testing products before shipment, we provide a quality document issued by a trusted third-party TIC organisation, ensuring goods are accompanied by credible evidence of compliance. This helps prevent consignments from being held in bond, avoids extended delays while local testing is conducted at destination (or outsourced if unavailable) and ultimately supports seamless cross-border movement.” According to Eksteen, opportunities are emerging for increased cross-border movement as governments strengthen their import controls and increase reliance on structured compliance programmes. Growth in consumer electronics, ICT goods and household products across African markets was driving demand for reliable testing and certification support, he said. “We are seeing increased volume, driven by expanding regional trade integration and rising consumer demand for technology-driven products. “Stricter regulatory enforcement is also increasing the demand for conformity assessment services as a prerequisite for market access,” he told Freight News. “The adoption of digital verification platforms, the expansion of regional product conformity programmes and improvements in national import verification systems all present further opportunities for logistics operators and importers who prioritise compliance.” For Eksteen, the outlook is extremely positive. “As African countries modernise customs processes and align regulatory frameworks, cross-border efficiencies are expected to improve. Companies that embed compliance, including verified testing and documentation, into their export strategy will experience fewer delays and greater operational certainty,” he said. LV