The 140th Canton Fair takes place in Guangzhou from 15 October to 4 November 2026, across three separate exhibition phases. For South African buyers, knowing which phase to attend is only the beginning. The products on display can raise very different regulatory questions — and some of the biggest problems ... Read More

Electric two- and three-wheeler imports into South Africa are growing rapidly. But the compliance question can extend far beyond the vehicle itself — to batteries, chargers, battery-swapping stations and wireless equipment. South Africa’s market for electric two-wheelers is becoming increasingly difficult for importers to ignore. Recent Chinese customs data reported ... Read More

PREVIOUS UPDATES March 2026 — New CoC Requirement for Imports from China: What South African Importers Need to KnowJune 2026 — New CoC Requirement for Imports PausedAugust 2026 — Further Details on the Paused PVoC Programme The proposed Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme is no longer simply paused. The original ... Read More

You have found the product. The price is good. The supplier looks legitimate. Samples have been approved. The pro forma invoice has arrived. All that remains is to pay the deposit and arrange shipping. This is exactly the point where many South African importers should stop for one final check. Not ... Read More

The Canton Fair can be an exciting place for South African importers. Thousands of products. Hundreds of potential suppliers. New technology, attractive pricing and plenty of manufacturers eager to do business. But there is one question that should be asked before you place an order: Can this product actually be ... Read More

We recently received a short enquiry that simply read: “Robotics and Humanoids certification.” It may well win the prize for maximum regulatory complexity expressed in three words. As humanoid robots, service robots and collaborative robots begin to appear more frequently in South African homes, schools, warehouses and factories, importers and ... Read More