Exporters to Somalia
Manufacturers and suppliers abroad shipping regulated goods to Somalia must obtain a CoC before shipment.
Import Compliance
Conformity-Based Customs Assessment (CBCA)
Mandatory pre-shipment conformity verification for goods exported to Somalia
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 programme safeguards consumer safety, protects the national economy and improves the quality of products entering the country. Regulated consignments must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued under the programme.
Important notice to importers
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. All regulated products, unless specifically exempted, must be assessed under the CBCA before export.
At a glance
- Effective since
- 15 July 2023
- Stronger enforcement
- 1 January 2025 — penalties and possible refusal of entry without a valid CoC
- Required document
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) per consignment
- Conformity assessment partner
- TÜV AUSTRIA
Who is affected
Who needs CBCA?
CBCA applies to regulated goods shipped to Somalia. Exporters, importers and their agents share responsibility for ensuring a valid CoC accompanies each consignment.
Somali importers
Importers must ensure their overseas suppliers complete CBCA verification so consignments clear customs without delay.
Freight & customs agents
Clearing agents present the CoC with shipping documents at Somali ports of entry.
Programme
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 programme. 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.
Certification process
From request to customs clearance
The pre-export verification is carried out by TÜV AUSTRIA, SoBS's appointed conformity assessment partner. Steps may vary by product category and certification route.
- 1
Request for Certification
The exporter submits a request with shipment details and product documentation to TÜV AUSTRIA.
- 2
Document review
Product specifications, test reports and existing certificates are reviewed against the applicable standards.
- 3
Pre-shipment inspection
Physical inspection of the consignment prior to shipment.
- 4
Testing (where applicable)
Samples are tested in accredited laboratories when required by the product category.
- 5
Technical review
Findings are reviewed to confirm conformity with Somali or accepted international standards.
- 6
Certificate of Conformity issued
A CoC is issued for the conforming consignment.
- 7
Customs clearance in Somalia
The CoC is presented with shipping documents at the Somali port of entry.
Appointed International Partner
Conformity Assessment Partner
TÜV AUSTRIA — Approved CBCA Partner
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) has contracted TÜV AUSTRIA as an approved international partner for Conformity Assessment services and issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoC) under the CBCA programme. TÜV AUSTRIA carries out document review, physical inspection, sampling and testing against Somali and accepted international standards, and issues the CoC that consignments must present at Somali ports of entry.
- Pre-export conformity verification
- Issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoC)
- Inspection, sampling & laboratory testing
- Global network of accredited offices
Legal Framework
SoBS operates under the Somali Standards and Quality Control Act No. 27 of 2020 and related regulations governing inspection, certification, conformity assessment and quality marks.
- ›Somali Standards and Quality Control Act No. 27 of 2020
- ›Regulation on Inspection and Verification of Quality Control of Goods Entering the Federal Republic of Somalia (2023)
Need help?
Speak directly with SoBS
Importers, exporters and customs agents can reach SoBS for CBCA scope, exemption and enforcement enquiries. Call our hotline 2022 or email info@sobs.gov.so.
Take the next step
CBCA certification & verification
Access CBCA PortalRequest certification and manage CoC applications with TÜV AUSTRIA.Verify a Certificate of ConformityConfirm a CoC with the issuing partner, TÜV AUSTRIA.SoBS Public DirectoryVerify SoBS-certified companies, products and certificates.CBCA EnquiriesContact SoBS for programme, exemption and enforcement questions.