Conformity-Based Customs Assessment
The Conformity-Based Customs Assessment (CBCA) Program is a mandatory conformity control system that ensures all goods exported to Somalia meet approved Somali and international standards before shipment. Officially launched by the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS), the program safeguards consumer safety, protects the national economy and improves the quality of products entering the country.
Pre-shipment certification is mandatory
All goods regulated under the CBCA programme must be assessed and certified before shipment to Somalia. Goods arriving without a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) may be held at the port, refused entry, or subject to penalties.
Key Points of the CBCA Program
Pre-Export Conformity Verification
Goods exported to Somalia must undergo conformity verification before shipment, confirming they meet Somali standards or other accepted international standards.
Certificate of Conformity Required
Export consignments must be accompanied by a CoC issued under the CBCA program. Without a valid CoC, goods may be rejected at ports of entry or face penalties.
Consumer Health & Safety
Prevents substandard or unsafe products from entering the Somali market — protecting families, workers and end-users.
Quality & Environment
Maintains product quality and environmental protection across all regulated categories entering the country.
Fair Trade Practices
Prevents dumping of non-compliant goods and unfair competition against compliant local manufacturers and legitimate importers.
Streamlined Customs
Improves trade efficiency by harmonising and pre-validating documentation, reducing border delays for compliant consignments.
Implementation & Enforcement
15 July 2023
The CBCA program has been in active enforcement, requiring conformity verification before shipment to Somalia.
1 January 2025
Consignments arriving without a valid CoC are subject to penalties and possible refusal of entry.
All regulated goods, unless explicitly exempted
All regulated products, unless specifically exempted, must be assessed under the CBCA before export to Somalia.