South Africa will introduce stricter controls on selected imports from China beginning in September 2026, requiring importers to obtain certificates of conformity before goods can enter the country.
The measure, announced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, is aimed at curbing the influx of low-cost and non-compliant products that local manufacturers say have undermined domestic production and employment.
Under the new pre-export verification programme, certain products imported from China that are not currently covered by mandatory specifications will be subject to certification requirements. These include some categories of electrical equipment such as generators and solar panels.
South African authorities said the initiative responds to longstanding concerns from manufacturers about the growing presence of substandard imports in the domestic market.
Industry groups have argued that cheaper imports have distorted competition, weakened local manufacturing capacity and contributed to factory closures and job losses across several sectors.
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The certification system will be implemented through cooperation between the South African Bureau of Standards and the China Certification and Inspection Group, with compliance checks conducted before products are exported to South Africa.
Border enforcement will involve the South African Revenue Service and the Border Management Authority, which will be responsible for preventing non-compliant products from entering the country.
Officials say the programme is intended to close regulatory loopholes, strengthen consumer protection and create a more level playing field for domestic producers.
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The move comes as South Africa seeks to revitalise its manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on imported goods, while balancing trade relations with China, one of its largest trading partners.
Analysts say the effectiveness of the new regime will depend on enforcement capacity and the ability of regulators to ensure compliance without creating unnecessary delays for legitimate trade.
The government maintains that the policy is not aimed at restricting trade but at ensuring that imported products meet South African quality and safety standards before reaching consumers.
