Botswana Certificate of Conformity (CoC) & SCSR Compliance
TIC Quality Control (TICQC) is appointed by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) to issue the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and SCSR Compliance Certificate for regulated products exported to Botswana. Fast, reliable, and globally trusted conformity assessment.
TICQC Appointed by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)
We are proud to announce that TIC Quality Control (TICQC) has been appointed by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) for the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) / Verification of Conformity (VoC) programme in Botswana.
This appointment marks a significant milestone for TICQC as our first contract in Africa, strengthening our international presence in Testing, Inspection and Certification and supporting compliant trade in the Botswana market.
We look forward to bringing our expertise in conformity assessment to this new market and supporting businesses in meeting applicable requirements for trade into Botswana.
What is the Botswana CoC & SCSR Compliance Certificate?
Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
The Botswana Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a mandatory compliance document required for all regulated products exported to Botswana. It is issued under the Standards (Compulsory Standards) Regulations (SCSR) of 2023 — formerly SIIR — administered by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS).
Standards (Compulsory Standards) Regulations
The SCSR programme ensures products entering the Botswana market meet required Botswana standards (BOBS), international standards (ISO, IEC), or approved manufacturer specifications to safeguard consumer safety, health, and the environment.
Customs Clearance Requirement
Every consignment of regulated products must obtain a Product Certificate (PC) or CoC issued by an approved service provider like TICQC. The CoC is a mandatory customs clearance document in Botswana — without it, shipments face delays, penalties, or refusal of entry.
Fully Enforceable Since April 2024
The Botswana SCSR programme has been fully enforceable since 1st April 2024. BOBS has expanded and revised the regulated products list to cover a broad range of goods across multiple industries, ensuring quality and safety across the market.
Botswana CoC Requirements & Standards
Complete breakdown of applicable standards, required documents, certification routes, and conformity assessment procedures under the SCSR programme.
01 Applicable Standards (Priority Order)
- Botswana Standards (BOBS) — The primary reference standards published by the Botswana Bureau of Standards.
- International Standards — ISO, IEC, or other internationally recognized standards where BOBS standards are unavailable.
- National Standards — Standards from the exporter's country of origin, where applicable.
- Manufacturer Specifications — Used only in the absence of BOBS, international, and national standards applicable to the product.
02 Required Documents
- Final / Proforma Invoice — Detailing the goods, value, and shipment information.
- Conformity Documents — Test reports, quality certificates, and analysis reports provided by exporters as per technical requirements.
- Packing List — Complete list of items in the shipment.
- Product Details & Specifications — Technical descriptions and model information.
- Application Form — Signed and duly filled.
03 Certification Routes
- Product Certificate (PC): For frequent exporters and high-volume manufacturers. Valid for 3 to 6 months depending on product risk.
- CoC in Country of Supply: For registered or occasional exporters/manufacturers. Issued based on conformity assessment in the exporting country.
- CoC at Destination: For unregistered or occasional exporters/manufacturers. Issued upon arrival at Botswana ports/borders.
04 Conformity Assessment Process
- Documentary Review — Assessment of submitted conformity documents against applicable standards.
- Control Testing (if required) — Sampling and testing to verify compliance.
- Physical Inspection — On-site inspection of goods to confirm conformity.
- Conclusion of Assessment — Final determination of compliance and issuance of CoC or PC.
Botswana SCSR Regulated Products List
Below is the complete list of products regulated under the Botswana SCSR programme. All products listed require a Botswana CoC or Product Certificate for customs clearance and market access.
Mechanical Products
22 Products| # | Product | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fire hose reels | BOS 5: Fire hose reels (with semi rigid hose) |
| 2 | Reconditioning of Potable rechargeable fire extinguishers Specification | — |
| 3 | Reconditioning of Fire hose reels | — |
| 4 | Fire extinguishing media/Powders | — |
| 5 | Potable rechargeable fire extinguishers Performance and specification | — |
| 6 | Automatic fire ball extinguisher | — |
| 7 | Hydrants (underground and aboveground) | BOS 304: Firefighting equipment- Components of underground and above ground hydrant systems. |
| 8 | Hose couplings, connectors, branch pipe and nozzle connections | — |
| 9 | Retro reflectors | BOS 320: Retro reflectors (Reflex-reflectors). |
| 10 | Regulators for liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) | BOS 118: Single- Stage Regulators for liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) |
| 11 | Fire extinguishing medium- Carbon dioxide | — |
| 12 | Fire foam concentrates | BOS ISO 7203-1: Fire extinguishing media - Foam concentrates- Part 1: Specification for low expansion foam concentrates for top applications to water- immiscible liquids. |
| 13 | Welding steel electrodes | BOS 89: Standard specification for covered steel electrodes for the manual arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steel |
| 14 | Window frames | BOS 36: Windows, casement doors and sidelights steel frames |
| 15 | Door frames | BOS 44: Steel door frames. |
| 16 | Building glazing materials | BOS 161-1: Safety and security glazing materials for buildings - Safety performance of glazing materials under human impact. |
| 17 | Building glazing materials (burglar-resistant) | BOS 161-2: Safety and security glazing materials for buildings - Burglar-resistant and vandal-resistant glazing materials. |
| 18 | Building glazing materials (bullet-resistant) | BOS 161-3: Safety and security glazing materials for buildings - Bullet-resistant glazing materials. |
| 19 | Door locks | BOS 215: Locks, latches, and associated furniture for wooden and pressed metal doors (Domestic type). |
| 20 | Fire doors and shutters | BOS 397: Fire-doors and fire shutters. |
| 21 | Flat woven webbing | BOS EN 1492-1: Textile slings - Safety- Part 1: Flat woven webbing slings made of man-made fibres for general purpose use. |
| 22 | Round slings | BOS EN 1492-2: Textile slings - Safety- Part 2: Round slings made of man-made fibres for general purpose use. |
Food Products
14 Products| # | Product | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sorghum grains | BOS 26: Cereals- Whole and dehulled sorghum grains for human consumption- Specification |
| 2 | Cradling of sorghum grain | BOS 63: Cereals- Classification and grading of sorghum grains intended for sale in Botswana |
| 3 | Raw Cow's Milk | BOS 64: Raw Cow's Milk (Intended for further processing) Specification |
| 4 | Pasteurised Cow Milk | BOS 72: Pasteurised Cow Milk- Specification |
| 5 | Yoghurt, Sour Milk (Madila) and Buttermilk (Madila) and Buttermilk- Specification from Cow's Milk | — |
| 6 | Bottled Water other than natural water | BOS 143: Bottled Water other than natural water- Specification |
| 7 | Bottled natural water | BOS 262: Bottled natural water- Specification |
| 8 | Pulses | BOS 201: Cereal and Pulses- Certain Pulses- Specification |
| 9 | Milled maize | BOS 213: (2nd Edition) Cereal products- Milled maize products- Specification. |
| 10 | Canned meat | BOS 385: The manufacture, production, processing, and treatment of canned meat products- Specification |
| 11 | Canned Fish Canned Marine Molluscs, and Canned Crustaceans and their derived products | — |
| 12 | Peanut Butter | BOS 450: Peanut Butter- Specification |
| 13 | Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk products | BOS 126: Milk and milk products- Ultra High Temperature treated cow's milk- Specification |
| 14 | Rice | BOS 273: Rice grains- Specification |
Agricultural Products
5 Products| # | Product | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poultry feeds | BOS 8-1: Poultry feeds Part 1: Chicken feeds |
| 2 | Cattle feeds | BOS 25: Animal feeding stuffs- Part 1: Cattle feeds |
| 3 | Pig feeds | BOS 190: (2nd Edition) Animal feeding stuffs- Pig feeds- Specification |
| 4 | Broiler breeder feeds | BOS 225: (2nd Edition) Animal feeding stuffs- Broiler breeder feeds- Specification This Botswana Standard specifies the basic requirements for broiler breeder feeds. |
| 5 | Sheep and goats feed | BOS 650: Animal feeding stuffs- Sheep and goats feed- Specification The standard specifies requirements for sheep and goat compound feed. |
Electrical Products
61 Products| # | Product | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13A Plugs | BOS 41-1: 13A Plugs, sockets- outlets, adapters and connection units- Part 1: Rewirable and non- rewirable fused plugs |
| 2 | 13A socket outlets | BOS 41-2: 13A Plugs, sockets- outlets, adapters and connection units- Part 2: Switched and unswitched socket outlets |
| 3 | 13A Adaptors | BOS 41-3: 13A Plugs, sockets- outlets, adapters and connection units- Part 3: Adaptors |
| 4 | 13A fused connection units | BOS 41-4: 13A plugs, socket- outlets, adaptors and connection units- Part 4: Switched and unswitched 13A fused connection units |
| 5 | 16A Plugs and Socket, Conventional system | BOS 495-1: 16A Plug and Socket- outlet systems for household and similar purposes for use in Botswana- Part 1: Conventional system, 16A, 250V a.c.-Specification |
| 6 | 16A Plugs and Socket, IEC system | BOS 495-2: 16A Plug and Socket- outlet systems for household and similar purposes for use in Botswana- Part 2: IEC System, 16A, 250V a.c.-Specification |
| 7 | 16A Plugs and Socket, Dedicated system | BOS 495-4: 16A Plug and Socket- outlet systems for household and similar purposes for use in Botswana- Part 4: Dedicated system, 16A, 250V a.c.-Specification |
| 8 | Packaging and marking for Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations (300/500 V to 1900/3300 V) Part 1: Packaging and marking- Requirements | — |
| 9 | Wiring cable specification for Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation | BOS 589-2: Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations (300/500 V to 1900/3300 V) Part 2: Wiring cable specification |
| 10 | Circuit-breakers | BOS 659-1: Low voltage switchgear- part 1: Circuit- breakers |
| 11 | Audio/video, information and communication | BOS IEC 62368-1: Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment- Part 1: Safety requirements |
| 12 | Drills | BOS IEC 60745-2-1: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-1: Particular requirements for drills and impact drills |
| 13 | Grinders, Polishers and Disk type Sanders | BOS IEC 60745-2-3: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-3: Particular requirements for grinders, polishers and disk type sanders. |
| 14 | Sanders and Polishers Other than disk type | BOS IEC 60745-2-4: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-4: Particular requirements for sanders and polishers other than disk type. |
| 15 | Circular saws | BOS IEC 60745-2-5: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-5: Particular requirements for circular saws |
| 16 | Hammers | BOS IEC 60745-2-6: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-6: Particular requirements for hammers |
| 17 | Concrete vibrators | BOS IEC 60745-2-12: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools- Safety- Part 2-12: Particular requirements for concrete vibrators |
| 18 | Chain saws | BOS IEC 60745-2-13: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-13: Particular requirements for chain saws |
| 19 | Planers | BOS IEC 60745-2-14: Hand-held motor- operated electric tools Safety- Part 2-14: Particular requirements for planers |
| 20 | Circuit-breakers | BOS IEC 60947-2: Low-voltage switchgear and control gear Part 2: Circuit- breakers |
| 21 | Switches, disconnectors, switch- disconnectors and fuse- combination units | BOS IEC 60947-3: Low-voltage switchgear and control gear Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch- disconnectors and fuse- combination units |
| 22 | Vacuum cleaners and water- suction cleaning appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-2: Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety- Part 2-2: Particular requirements for vacuum cleaners and water- suction cleaning appliances |
| 23 | Electric Irons | BOS IEC 60335-2-3: Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety- Part 2-3: Particular requirements for electric irons |
| 24 | Dishwashers | BOS IEC 60335-2-5: Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety- Part 2-5: Particular requirements for dishwashers |
| 25 | Cooking ranges, hobs, ovens and similar appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-6: Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety- Part 2-6: Particular requirements for stationary cooking ranges, hobs, ovens and similar appliances |
| 26 | Kettles and coffee makers | BOS IEC 60335-2-15: Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety- Part 2-15: Particular requirements for appliances for heating liquids |
| 27 | Power switchgears | BOS IEC 61439-2: Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies- Part 2: Power switchgear and control gear assemblies |
| 28 | Distribution boards | BOS IEC 61439-3: Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies - Part 3: Distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO) |
| 29 | Washing machines | BOS IEC 60335-2-7: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-7: Particular requirements for washing machines |
| 30 | Shavers, hair clippers and similar appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-8: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-8: Particular requirements for shavers, hair clippers and similar appliances |
| 31 | Grills, toasters and similar portable cooking appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-9: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-9: Particular requirements for grills, toasters and similar portable cooking appliances |
| 32 | Floor treatment machines and wet scrubbing machines | BOS IEC 60335-2-10: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-10: Particular requirement for floor treatment machines and wet scrubbing machines |
| 33 | Tumble dryers | BOS IEC 60335-2-11: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-11: Particular requirements for tumble dryers |
| 34 | Warming plates and similar appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-12: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-12: Particular requirements for warming plates and similar appliances |
| 35 | Deep fat fryers, frying pans and similar appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-13: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-13: Particular requirements for deep fat fryers, frying pans and similar appliances |
| 36 | Kitchen machines | BOS IEC 60335-2-14: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-14: Particular requirements for kitchen machines |
| 37 | Household and similar purposes liquid heating appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-15: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-15: Particular requirements for heating liquids. |
| 38 | Electric Water heaters | BOS IEC 60335-2-16: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-16: Particular requirements for water heaters |
| 39 | Refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers | BOS IEC 60335-2-17: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-17: Particular requirements for operating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers |
| 40 | Microwave ovens, including combination microwave ovens | BOS IEC 60335-2-23: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-23: Particular requirements for microwave ovens, including combination microwave ovens |
| 41 | Sewing machines | BOS IEC 60335-2-24: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-24: Particular requirements for sewing machines |
| 42 | Battery chargers | BOS IEC 60335-2-26: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-26: Particular requirements for battery chargers. |
| 43 | Room heaters | BOS IEC 60335-2-28: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-28: Particular requirements for room heaters |
| 44 | Massage appliances | — |
| 45 | Instantaneous water heaters | BOS IEC 60335-2-32: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-32: Particular requirements for instantaneous water heaters |
| 46 | Electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers | BOS IEC 60335-2-33: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-33: Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers |
| 47 | Pumps | BOS IEC 60335-2-34: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-34: Particular requirements for pumps |
| 48 | Clothes dryers and towel rails | BOS IEC 60335-2-35: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-35: Particular requirements for clothes dryers and towel rails |
| 49 | Ironers | BOS IEC 60335-2-36: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-36: Particular requirements for ironers |
| 50 | Oral hygiene appliances | BOS IEC 60335-2-38: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-38: Particular requirements for oral hygiene appliances |
| 51 | Surface cleaning appliances for house hold use employing liquids or steam | BOS IEC 60335-2-39: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-39: Particular requirements for surface cleaning appliances for household use employing liquids or steam |
| 52 | Surface cleaning appliances for electrical appliances for use with aquariums and garden ponds | BOS IEC 60335-2-42: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-42: Particular requirements for surface cleaning appliances for domestic appliances for use with aquariums and garden ponds |
| 53 | Projectors | — |
| 54 | Insect killers | — |
| 55 | Air-cleaning appliances | — |
| 56 | Fixed immersion heaters | — |
| 57 | Portable immersion heaters | — |
| 58 | Electric fence energizers | — |
| 59 | Fans | — |
| 60 | Fabric steamers | — |
| 61 | — | — |
Chemical Products
Chemical products regulated under the SCSR programme include various chemical substances and preparations requiring conformity assessment to Botswana standards or approved international equivalents.
Automotive Products
Automotive products including automotive glass and tyres are regulated under the SCSR programme and require a Botswana CoC for customs clearance.
Building & Construction Products
Cement and other building and construction products are regulated under the SCSR programme. These products must undergo conformity assessment to ensure they meet Botswana's compulsory standards for safety and quality.
Botswana CoC Certification Process
Obtaining a Botswana Certificate of Conformity (CoC) through TICQC is straightforward. Follow these six steps for smooth customs clearance.
Application Submission
Submit your application to TICQC along with the required documents, including a final or proforma invoice, test reports, quality certificates, analysis reports, packing list, and product details.
Documentary Review
TICQC reviews all submitted documents to ensure they meet the applicable Botswana standards or approved equivalent international standards.
Control Testing (if required)
Depending on the product and risk level, TICQC may require control testing to verify compliance with the applicable standards.
Physical Inspection
A physical inspection of the goods may be conducted to verify conformity with the submitted documents and applicable standards.
Conclusion of Assessment
Based on the review, testing, and inspection, TICQC concludes the conformity assessment and determines compliance.
CoC Issuance
Upon successful assessment, TICQC issues the Botswana Certificate of Conformity (CoC), enabling smooth customs clearance at Botswana ports and borders.
Why Choose TICQC for Your Botswana CoC
BOBS-Appointed Certification Body
TICQC is officially appointed by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) to issue Botswana Certificates of Conformity for regulated products.
Global Expertise
As an internationally recognized Testing, Inspection, and Certification body, TICQC brings decades of experience in conformity assessment across multiple markets.
Fast Turnaround
Our streamlined processes ensure quick CoC issuance to minimize delays in your supply chain and keep your goods moving.
Comprehensive Support
From document review to final certification, TICQC supports you at every step of the Botswana CoC process.
First Contract in Africa
TICQC's appointment by BOBS marks our first contract in Africa, reflecting our commitment to expanding our global footprint and supporting compliant trade.
Expert Team
Our team of conformity assessment experts understands the Botswana regulatory landscape and can guide you through every requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Botswana Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
A Botswana Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a mandatory document issued for regulated products exported to Botswana. It verifies that your products comply with applicable Botswana Standards (BOBS) and technical regulations. The CoC is required for customs clearance at Botswana ports and borders.
What is the Botswana SCSR programme?
The Standards (Compulsory Standards) Regulations (SCSR) of 2023 is a Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) programme that controls the quality of regulated products imported into and manufactured in Botswana. All regulated products must undergo conformity assessment and obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Product Certificate (PC).
Which products require a Botswana CoC?
Regulated product categories under the Botswana SCSR include Mechanical Products, Food Products, Agricultural Products, Electrical Products, Chemical Products, Automotive Products, and Building & Construction Products (Cement). A comprehensive list is available on this page.
How do I get a Botswana CoC?
To obtain a Botswana CoC, you must submit an application to an approved service provider like TICQC, along with documents including a proforma invoice, test reports, packing list, and product details. TICQC will conduct a conformity assessment and issue the CoC for smooth customs clearance.
Is TICQC appointed by BOBS for the Botswana CoC programme?
Yes, TICQC is proud to announce its appointment by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) to operate the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) / SCSR programme. This marks TICQC's first contract in Africa and strengthens our international presence in conformity assessment.
What is the validity of a Botswana CoC?
The validity of a Botswana CoC depends on the certification route. Product Certificates (PCs) are valid for three months for high-risk products and six months for low-risk products. Each CoC covers a specific consignment.
What happens if I ship without a Botswana CoC?
Regulated products arriving at Botswana ports or borders without a valid CoC are subject to possible delays, penalties, or refusal of entry. The CoC is a mandatory customs clearance document in Botswana.
How long does it take to get a Botswana CoC?
The timeline for CoC issuance depends on the completeness of your documents and the product type. TICQC aims to process applications as quickly as possible to minimize supply chain disruptions. Contact us for an estimated timeline based on your specific products.
Ready to Export to Botswana?
TICQC is here to help you navigate the Botswana CoC / SCSR certification process with ease. Contact our team of experts today to get started.
TIC Quality Control (TICQC) — Your trusted partner for Botswana CoC, SCSR compliance, and global trade facilitation.
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