The directive introduces a mandatory Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for many imported products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will require importers to obtain a Certificate of Conformity confirming that a product meets South African National Standards for safety and quality to pass through customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Product assessments will be overseen by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), while customs and border authorities will enforce compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first phase of the PVoC programme aims to address the influx of unregulated goods into South Africa, some of which may be unsafe to local consumers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These products are currently not subject to compulsory specifications or formal regulatory oversight to guarantee they are free from potentially harmful substances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples include electrical components like cables or appliances that may cause fires, poor-quality furniture that may fail prematurely, and cosmetics and skincare products with harmful chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China has been chosen as the first focus country in the programme’s pilot phase, as it is South Africa’s largest source of imported goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chinese marketplaces like Temu and AliExpress are especially popular for small electronics and toys, while Shein has become a first stop for many shoppers of fashion and beauty products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the regulations take effect, importers will need to verify whether the products meet the required standards before shipping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DTIC has afforded businesses a six-month transitional period that will come into effect around the end of September 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In preparation for the full implementation, SABS will be conducting random and risk-based inspections, verification exercises, and compliance checks to test systems over the transitional period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the crackdown, SABS will prioritise laboratory testing of cosmetics and skincare products for harmful substances like hydroquinone and mercury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sellers warn about impact on prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Temu-on-smartphone-and-background-1200x675.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBaby diapers, sanitary pads, and other hygiene products will also be tested for absorbency and potential biological and toxicological dangers. Other products that will be analysed for compliance include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Mattresses and foam products<\/strong> for flammability and emissions. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Furniture, including office chairs and bunk beds<\/strong> for structural integrity to prevent accidents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Higher-risk technical and industrial goods,<\/strong> including hoses and regulators used in liquef<\/span>ied petroleum gas applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Building materials, <\/strong>including insulation, solar panels, underfloor membranes, and public safety products, for proper functioning in emergencies. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consumer associations from Belgium, Germany, and Denmark previously cautioned consumers<\/a> about shopping on Temu and Shein after analysing 162 products bought on the marketplaces in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey found nearly 70% of the products they tested \u2014 including USB chargers, necklaces, and children’s toys \u2014 failed to meet those countries’ safety standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our analysis shows that buying from Temu or Shein is a bit like playing Russian roulette,” said Julie Fr\u00e8re, spokesperson for Belgian consumer organisation Testachats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the DTIC’s proposed measures could help reduce financial and physical harm to consumers, compliance testing comes at a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cost will vary depending on the type of product and the time needed for testing, but SABS’s hourly charge for verification services was already well over R1,000 in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain types of products also require an annual fee of over R10,000 to maintain compliance. Members of a large Facebook group for local marketplace sellers have expressed concern about the price impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Bringing 240-volt products to market legally is very expensive,” one merchant said. “Every product needs to be tested and certified. China Malls have loads of uncertified electrical goods on sale.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another was sceptical about the feasibility of the programme. “Saying and implementing are two different things,” they said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Existing legislation already being ignored<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Wireless-radio-antenna-Temu-1200x675.jpg\")
<\/a>Non-approved Wi-Fi adapter for PC bought on Temu in 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBaby diapers, sanitary pads, and other hygiene products will also be tested for absorbency and potential biological and toxicological dangers. Other products that will be analysed for compliance include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Mattresses and foam products<\/strong> for flammability and emissions. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Furniture, including office chairs and bunk beds<\/strong> for structural integrity to prevent accidents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Higher-risk technical and industrial goods,<\/strong> including hoses and regulators used in liquef<\/span>ied petroleum gas applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Building materials, <\/strong>including insulation, solar panels, underfloor membranes, and public safety products, for proper functioning in emergencies. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consumer associations from Belgium, Germany, and Denmark previously cautioned consumers<\/a> about shopping on Temu and Shein after analysing 162 products bought on the marketplaces in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They found nearly 70% of the products they tested \u2014 including USB chargers, necklaces, and children’s toys \u2014 failed to meet those countries’ safety standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our analysis shows that buying from Temu or Shein is a bit like playing Russian roulette,” said Julie Fr\u00e8re, spokesperson for Belgian consumer organisation Testachats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the DTIC’s proposed measures could help reduce financial and physical harm to consumers, compliance testing comes at a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cost will vary depending on the type of product and the time needed for testing, but SABS’s hourly charge for verification services was already well over R1,000 in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain types of products also require an annual fee of over R10,000 to maintain compliance. Members of a large Facebook group for local marketplace sellers have expressed concern about the price impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Bringing 240-volt products to market legally is very expensive,” one merchant said. “Every product needs to be tested and certified. China Malls have loads of uncertified electrical goods on sale.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another was sceptical about the feasibility of the programme. “Saying and implementing are two different things,” they said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Existing legislation already being ignored<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Non-approved Wi-Fi adapter for PC bought on Temu in 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n - Furniture, including office chairs and bunk beds<\/strong> for structural integrity to prevent accidents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n