Exporting to Zimbabwe: Full Process of CBCA Conformity Certification
Zimbabwe's CBCA certification is a key regulatory regime implemented by the Government of Zimbabwe to standardize the quality of imported products and safeguard consumer rights. Since May 16, 2015, all controlled products exported to Zimbabwe must obtain CBCA certification before shipment, and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for smooth customs clearance.
1. What is CBCA Certification?
Zimbabwe's CBCA (Consignment Based Conformity Assessment) certification is a batch‑based conformity assessment scheme and a mandatory compliance requirement imposed by the Government of Zimbabwe on imported products. All regulated products destined for Zimbabwe must undergo compliance assessment and obtain a CBCA certificate prior to loading; otherwise, the goods may be refused entry, subjected to destination inspection, or face penalties.
It is important to note that CBCA certification is not optional but a compulsory requirement. Even if a product already holds international certifications such as CE or FCC, it must still apply for Zimbabwe CBCA certification separately, and no other certification can be substituted.
2. Which Products Require CBCA Certification?
The scope of controlled products under CBCA certification is broad, covering 12 major categories, including:
- Toys: baby strollers, leisure‑related products, etc.
- Electrical & Electronic Products: audio‑video equipment, fax machines, mobile phones, television sets, etc.
- Automotive Parts: vehicle tires, scooters and similar vehicles.
- Cosmetics & Chemical Products: engine lubricants, perfumes, diapers, etc.
- Mechanical & Building Products: rubber and plastic pipes and fittings, steel products, aluminum products, industrial machinery and spare parts.
- Stationery Products.
- Kitchenware: various tableware and cooking utensils.
- Textiles, Leather, Plastics & Rubber: garments, carpets, blankets, etc.
- Safety & Personal Protective Equipment: electrical safety devices, PPE supplies.
- Food & Beverages: pre‑packaged food, water and alcoholic beverages.
- Second‑hand Products: used motor vehicles, retreaded tyres, etc.
- Optical Components: spectacles and similar products.
3. Certification Process
(1) Document Preparation
Essential materials include:
- Official CBCA application form
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Test reports issued by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
- Product photos, packaging photos, nameplate photos, and product manual in English
- Additional documents for special products: vehicle registration certificate for used cars; health/hygiene permit for food products
(2) Document Review
After submission, the certification body verifies the completeness and consistency of the documents, with special attention to whether the test reports match the product models.
(3) Inspection and Loading Supervision
Upon successful document review, inspection can be scheduled. Both on‑site inspection and video inspection (with full recording for archival purposes) are accepted.
(4) Certificate Issuance
After passing the inspection, the final commercial invoice and a copy of the Bill of Lading are submitted, and Cotecna will issue the electronic VOC certificate.
As an officially authorized certification body by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Zimbabwe, Cotecna provides one‑stop services – including product testing, document review, pre‑shipment inspection, and CBCA certificate issuance – in accordance with Zimbabwean national standards, helping enterprises achieve efficient and compliant exports to Zimbabwe.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.