Companies exporting goods to West Africa need to ensure that they have pre-export verification of conformity (VoC), according to Harrison Muchenga, VoC sales manager at Bureau Veritas.Countries in West Africa want to trade internationally, but are not willing to sacrifice lives or jobs in the process, says Muchenga.
VoC differs from product certification in that it is limited to verification of conformity of goods per shipment to a specified country. There is usually no geographical limitation for internationally recognised quality certification. “The VoC regulations are in line with Article 5 of the World Trade Organisation, and are not regarded as a non-tariff barrier to trade.
“Regardless of the means of transport, the goods need to be checked to see if they meet requirements,” he says.
Governments do not want their countries to become dumping grounds for sub-standard products, and in the process to kill off local industry.As a citizen or consumer, you want to know that the new brake pads fitted to your car are fit for purpose, says Muchenga. For exporters the risk is that they will incur penalties, as well as the cost of the re-export of goods which do not have the necessary certification issued at source, he adds.In some cases, where the goods have an expiry date, there is a total loss.
Bureau Veritas works with exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders and transporters to ensure the goods are compliant before they are exported.“Our mission is to assist organisations to be compliant. Exporters often take it for granted that a product which is accepted in South Africa is acceptable around the world.
“You have to understand the market you are going into. It is not just about profit. It is about legitimate business.”Requirements could include instructions being printed in a local language, and that the markings on the product conform with local legislation.Products need to be tested and certified by a third party, he adds. Bureau Veritas has its own testing laboratories for compliance checking.
