New Verification of Conformity programme in Côte d'Ivoire

Update: The launch of the mandatory program has now been announced to begin on the 15th February 2019. In order to be ready on time for the compulsory starting date, importers and exporters wishing to ensure the conformity to applicable standards and specifications for their products may still have the possibility to request a Certificate of Conformity (COC) on a voluntary basis.

Cotecna has been mandated by the Ministry of Trade, Handicrafts and SME Promotion to implement the Verification of Conformity (VOC) program for goods imported into the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The award ceremony was held in Abidjan on the 8th November 2017.

Cotecna’s mandate consists in performing verifications, inspections and lab testing in order to issue Certificates of Conformity (COC) for goods complying with applicable standards. The objective of this program is to better protect consumers from substandard, counterfeit and potentially dangerous goods.

The program will officially start on the 1st March 2018 and therefore a Certificate of Conformity will be required for Customs clearance.

“We are proud to have been chosen by the Ministry of Trade for this mandate. We will deploy our best efforts to contribute to the program’s success for the wellbeing of the people of Côte d’Ivoire”, said Johan Mertens, Cotecna’s Vice President for the Verification of Conformity programs.

For more information, please contact us.