A CBCA (Consignment Based Conformity Assessment, also called VOC) seminar for major Importers and Exporters was arranged by the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and GIZ in Addis Ababa of Ethiopia on May 29th, 2014. Bureau Veritas and about 60 importers and exporters attended this seminar along with important personnel from other government organizations.

The speakers in this session were mainly the Head of Imports and Exports of Ministry of Trade and the Head of the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise.

The speeches highlighted that enforcement of the regulation is reaching a new stage and that COC (Certificate of Conformity) from a recognized third party inspection body is essential from now on to be able to clear goods from the customs without any delays (avoid or minimize sampling/Inspections and testing upon arrival). The earlier accepted declaration from importers for temporary clearance will now be replaced by the COC. Without a COC, importers will not be granted a temporary release at customs.

All participants took this event in a positive manner and sanctions on non-compliant shipments are expected to increase in a short time.

For further details related to the VOC programme in Ethiopia, please consult here