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Date: Dec 12 2025
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Content The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration hereby informs the public that, in accordance with the powers vested in it under Proclamation No. 1263/2021 and No. 1343/2024, it continues to regulate the quality of imported goods.
Among the regulated products, the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) scheme has been applied to 13 imported items for which no local laboratory testing capacity exists. As the previous PVOC contractual period has ended, the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise has carried out an international procurement process and concluded agreements with four internationally accredited conformity assessment bodies:
1. Bureau Veritas (Zones 3 & 4)
2. TUV Rheinland Middle East FZE (Zones 1, 2, 3 & 4)
3. COTECNA Inspection SA (Zones 2, 4 & 5)
4. World Standardization Certification & Testing Group (Zone 1)
Under these agreements, PVOC services will be carried out in the country of export for the following 13 products:
• Stand-alone solar energy products with power ratings ≤ 350 W
• Circuit breakers > 50 A
• Household refrigerating appliances
• Washing machines
• Induction motors
• Agricultural tractors
• Distribution transformers
• Mineral insulating/transformer oil
• Water pumps and accessories
• Toys
• Industrial fuses (NH, NF, BS systems, etc.)
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems
In addition, 17 other products will undergo Verification of Conformity (VoC) upon arrival in Ethiopia, conducted by the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise. These products are:
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules
• Solar battery charge controllers
• Batteries for off-grid and on-grid PV applications
• Solar inverters (DC–AC converters)
• Electric cables for PV systems
• Motor vehicle starter batteries
• Tyres
• Electric irons
• Electric stationary cooking ranges, hobs, ovens, and similar appliances
• Electric fryers, frying pans, and similar appliances
• Electric storage water heaters
• Electric instantaneous water heaters
• Electric fixed immersion heaters
• Electric portable immersion heaters
• Brake linings
• Paints and varnishes (emulsion and enamel)
• Microwave ovens
Accordingly, all importers of the above-listed products are reminded that these items must comply with the required standards under the applicable procedures. The Ministry further advises that any non-compliant products may experience delays at customs checkpoints, for which the Ministry will not assume responsibility.
