PCA for Export & Locally Produced Goods
The Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) process, led by the Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS), ensures that both locally produced goods and export products comply with national and international safety, quality and regulatory standards. This vital process guarantees that products are safe for consumers, competitive in the market, and ready for export.
Key Components of PCA
1 · Product Evaluation & Classification
Products are categorized based on their type and the corresponding standards are applied — ensuring each product undergoes the proper assessment for both local consumption and export markets.
2 · Documentation Review
SoBS reviews all required product documentation including design specifications, production processes and prior test results — ensuring all products meet national standards and are ready for certification.
3 · Product Testing & Inspection
Rigorous testing in accredited laboratories verifies compliance with safety, quality and performance standards. Inspections ensure each product adheres to the specifications required for market approval.
4 · Certification — S Mark or CoC
Once products meet all standards, they are awarded the S Mark (locally produced goods) or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for exports — assuring consumers and international buyers of compliance.
5 · Surveillance & Monitoring
SoBS conducts regular surveillance to ensure ongoing compliance, including factory inspections, random product sampling and periodic re-testing after certification.
S-Mark · CoC Authorisation
Approved local goods carry the SoBS S-Mark — a public quality signal recognised across the Somali market and procurement agencies.
SoBS Laboratory Concession Agreements
To fulfil the testing and inspection requirements of the Product Conformity Assessment (PCA), SoBS has entered into concession agreements with the following accredited laboratories:
Hope Labs Group
Accredited testing partner supporting SoBS in food, chemical and microbiological analysis for the PCA programme.
Achelab Laboratory Services Limited
Concessioned laboratory delivering analytical testing and certification support for regulated Somali products.
Geo Chem Middle East LLC
International accredited laboratory supporting SoBS with rigorous testing, certification and inspection services.
These laboratories support SoBS in ensuring that products meet national and international standards through their rigorous testing, certification and inspection services.
Why PCA Matters for Somalia
Consumer Protection
Stops unsafe food, electrical, construction, fuel and pharmaceutical products from reaching Somali households and worksites.
Fair Markets
Levels the playing field for compliant local manufacturers and legitimate importers — discouraging unfair competition from counterfeit goods.
Trade Integration
Aligns Somalia with WTO/TBT, ARSO and EAC neighbours, easing recognition of Somali certificates by trading partners.
Government Revenue
Reduces customs disputes and ensures regulated goods are properly classified and declared at the border.
Speak directly with SoBS
Importers, manufacturers and customs agents can reach our PCA desk for product classification, sampling and certificate enquiries. Call our hotline 2022 or email info@sobs.gov.so.