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 administered by the Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Management (BBN), and is a mandatory document for customs clearance of electrical and electronic products entering the Burundi market. This system covers the vast majority of consumer electrical and electronic products and industrial electronic products. Goods worth less than 2000 US dollars can be exempted from certification, but still need to be inspected at the destination port. All electrical and electronic goods transshipped to Burundi via ports also need to additionally apply for 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 rules of WTO/TBT on technical barriers to trade. There is currently no separate special legislation for electrical and electronic products, the 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, internationally accepted standards such as IEC and ISO are generally recognized, and Burundi's local adaptation requirements need to be met. Electrical parameter requirements: Electrical and electronic products need to adapt to the 220-240V voltage system and use European standard plugs; Safety and EMC requirements: All electrical and electronic products must comply with mandatory requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety; Marking requirements: The product and its packaging must be marked with country of origin information, labels must provide bilingual instructions in French or English, and technical documents must provide a French translation version.

Certification Process

The enterprise submits the certification application, and provides required materials such as product packing list, commercial invoice, and qualified test report;

The certification body completes document review, and arranges pre-shipment inspection or supplementary laboratory testing according to product conditions;

After passing the assessment, a draft certificate is issued, and the formal conformity certificate is issued after the draft is confirmed correct;

The applicant completes customs clearance procedures at the destination port with the certificate, and completes the application for the ECTN electronic cargo tracking note in advance.

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