Uganda PVoC Scheme FAQ

PVoC stands for Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity. It is a service that ensures imported goods meet the required standards and regulations of the importing country.

In order to protect the consumers in Uganda from substandard products and to assure safe and quality approved products entering the Ugandan market, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards has implemented under UNBS Act of 1983 mandatory requirements for product imports under the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC).

The PVoC program requires that regulated product imports are verified for compliance in the country of export and before entering the Ugandan market.

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued by TÜV Rheinland if the products are confirmed as compliant. The CoC is used at Uganda customs points to clear the shipment.

The certificate of conformity (CoC) is a document that verifies that imported goods are in line with the applied regulations and standards of the destination country.

TÜV Rheinland PVoC services provide assurance that imported goods meet the necessary standards and regulations, which can prevent delays in customs clearance and potential fines or penalties.

TÜV Rheinland follows strict confidentiality policies and procedures to protect the privacy of its clients' product information.

TÜV Rheinland can provide regular updates on changes to import regulations and standards that may affect your products.

• Automotive 
• Chemical products (including cosmetics) 
• Electrical and electronics 
• Food and food products 
• Furniture (including wood and metal articles) 
• Mechanical material and gas 
• Paper and stationery 
• Protective safety equipment 
• Textile, leather, plastic, and rubber 
• Toys 
• Used products

All pre-packaged products require a Certificate of Conformity. More details will be provided by our experts.

The exporter or importer will apply to TÜV Rheinland for a CoC by filling the application form. TÜV Rheinland will inspect the consignment and test* the product in one of the accredited laboratories worldwide to ensure it meets the defined requirements. If test reports are available by the applicant, those are considered and reviewed by the technical experts.

Based on a successful conformity evaluation result, we issue a CoC.

If the product is non-compliant, we will report the issues to the applicant to work on the corrective measures (where applicable).

Non-compliant products that were / could not (be) rectified are removed from the consignment.

*Testing charges are borne by the applicant

The documentation required for PVoC inspections varies depending on the type of product being assessed, but it can include duly filled application form, technical specifications, and test reports from an accredited laboratory.

If your products do not pass the PVoC conformity evaluation, TÜV Rheinland will provide a detailed report outlining the areas of non-conformity. You can then take steps to rectify the issues and request a re-evaluation.

Importing non-compliant products can result in significant financial losses due to customs delays, fines, and even product recalls. It can also damage a company's reputation and lead to legal issues.

Some products may be exempt from PVoC services such as those intended for personal use or those covered under specific trade agreements. However, for all those exemptions an official communique by UNBS has to be available / obtained.

If there is a dispute over the PVoC inspection results, TÜV Rheinland can provide a third-party opinion to help resolve the issue.

TÜV Rheinland performs PVoC inspections by checking the conformity of products with the relevant standards and regulations through visual inspections, sample testing, and review of conformity documents.

The turnaround time for PVoC services with TÜV Rheinland Uganda varies depending on the type of product being assessed, but once all requested conformity documents are submitted by the applicant, we ensure to schedule an inspection within two days*

*assuming the consignment is ready for inspection.

You can request PVoC services through the following means:

1. UeSW

2. ComPassGo

3. Submit an enquiry through our website

TÜV Rheinland has a global mandate by UNBS to provide PVOC services; the nearest TÜV Rheinland location can be found using the global location finder here .

Yes, TÜV Rheinland can assist with product certification in addition to PVoC services.

For more information, please reach out to your nearest TUV Rheinland office.

Yes, TÜV Rheinland can provide technical support and guidance throughout the PVoC evaluation process and beyond.