Certification Introduction
Burundi implements a mandatory pre-export conformity verification system for imported electrical and electronic products, namely PVOC certification, also known as COC certification. It is supervised by the Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Management (BBN), and is a required document for customs clearance for electrical and electronic products entering the Burundi market. This system covers most consumer electrical and electronic products and industrial electronic products. Goods with a value below 2,000 US dollars are exempt from certification, but still need to be inspected at the destination port. All electrical and electronic goods transited to Burundi via ports are additionally required to obtain an ECTN electronic cargo tracking note as a mandatory document for customs clearance.
Laws and Regulations
The core regulation is the Administrative Provisions on Mandatory Conformity Verification of Imported Products issued by the Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Management (BBN), and the system complies with relevant WTO/TBT rules on technical barriers to trade. Currently, there is no separate special legislation targeting electrical and electronic products, and general compliance requirements for imported products cover electrical and electronic categories. The specific mandatory scope and latest rules need to be verified through official BBN channels.
Technical Requirements
- In terms of standards, IEC, ISO and other general international standards are generally recognized, and products need to meet Burundi's local adaptation requirements
- Electrical parameter requirements: Electrical and electronic products must adapt to the 220-240V voltage system and adopt EU-standard plugs
- Safety and EMC requirements: All electrical and electronic products must comply with mandatory requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety
- Labeling requirements: The product and its packaging must be marked with country of origin information; labels must provide descriptions in both French and English; technical documents must be provided with French translation versions
Certification Process
Enterprises submit certification applications and provide required materials including product packing lists, commercial invoices, qualified test reports, etc.; the certification body completes document review, and arranges pre-shipment inspection or supplementary laboratory testing based on product conditions; a draft certificate is issued after passing the assessment, and the official certificate of conformity is issued after verification confirms no errors; the applicant handles destination port customs clearance procedures with the certificate, and completes the ECTN electronic cargo tracking note application in advance.
WANVE, as a professional technical service organization, provides one-stop full compliance support for enterprise export.