Overview:
Cabinet in 2021 reinstated the Pre-import Verification of Conformity to Standards programme (PIVOC) after it become clear that counterfeits and substandard products had since become a menace.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has contracted six international companies to inspect all goods from their countries of origin before they are shipped in Uganda.
The six companies will provide Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) services for the next three (3) years, effective 1st March, 2023.
They are Bureau Veritas Uganda based in Uganda, Helmsman Quality and Technology Services Co.,Ltd. (“HQTS”) based in China, Intertek International Ltd based in UK, Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan, TUV Rheinland for Middle East and Société Générale de Surveillance S.A (SGS) for Switzerland.
According to UNBS, it is a regulatory requirement for all goods that are covered by the Compulsory Uganda Standards to be subjected to inspection and testing from their countries of origin/export before being imported into Uganda under the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Programme.
“This is meant to ensure that Substandard and Harmful commodities that affect the Health and Safety of the Public and the Environment are not imported into the country,” UNBS added.
Cabinet in 2021 reinstated the Pre-import Verification of Conformity to Standards programme (PIVOC) after it become clear that counterfeits and substandard products had since become a menace.
This came after it had earlier been suspended following the city traders’ complaints that the scheme was saddled with corruption.