Côte d’Ivoire: getting the VoC certificate of conformity for your glass container, without delays

In Côte d’Ivoire, construction materials are among the products covered by the Verification of Conformity programme (VoC). For a glass container, the value is always above the exemption threshold: without a certificate of conformity, clearance in Abidjan or San Pedro can be blocked. Here is how to plan for it, step by step.

VoC in brief

• Products covered: several regulated product families, including construction materials.
• Threshold: only shipments with a FOB value below 1,000,000 XOF are exempt. A glass container is always above it.
• Before shipment: the goods are checked by an approved inspection body, which issues the certificate of conformity.
• At clearance: the certificate goes with your import documents.

The steps, in order

1. You approve our proforma invoice.
2. The verification request is opened with the approved body, before shipment.
3. We send the proforma, the technical data sheets and the packing list.
4. The inspection takes place before loading, then the certificate is issued.
5. The container ships, and your clearing agent clears it in Abidjan or San Pedro with the certificate.

What we prepare for you

• Technical data sheets per reference: float to EN 572, laminated to EN ISO 12543, mirrors to EN 1036.
• Consistent documents: the same descriptions on the proforma, the invoice and the packing list, crate by crate.
• Inspection arranged: we coordinate the inspection date with the inspection body before loading.

Three tips to avoid delays

1. Open the VoC request as soon as the proforma is approved, not at loading time.
2. Group your references in one mixed container: one inspection, one certificate.
3. Check the current product list and threshold with your clearing agent, as they can change.

Sources: Cotecna · Direction générale du Trésor