Ethiopia Adds New Products to the Regulated Product List: Ensure Your Toys Are PVOC Certified Quickly with Cotecna

Ethiopia continues to strengthen its importcontrol framework, ensuring only safe and compliant products enter its market. Under the PreShipment Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Programme, all regulated goods must undergo conformity assessment before shipment and be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) at Ethiopian customs. This programme is overseen by the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise (ECAE) and mandated by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI).  

A Growing List of Regulated Products What It Means for Toy Importers 

In recent updates, Ethiopia has expanded the scope of regulated product categories, now covering a broader range of consumer goods. While official announcements highlight categories such as electrical components, household appliances, automotive products, and other consumer facing items, exporters should verify whether their specific products including toys now fall under regulated categories.  

The tightening of controls aims to: 

• Protect children and consumers from unsafe, counterfeit, or substandard goods.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian standards before products enter the market.
• Reduce customs delays and penalties associated with noncompliant imports.  

Because toys are globally treated as highrisk consumer products, especially regarding child safety, Ethiopian authorities increasingly scrutinize such categories. Exporters and importers are strongly encouraged to confirm regulatory requirements prior to shipping. 

Cotecna is authorised by MoTRI to inspect, test, and issue Certificates of Conformity for all regulated products entering Ethiopia.

With Cotecna, you benefit from: 

✔ Certificate of Conformity in as fast as 48 hours 

✔ Dedicated expert support 

✔ Complete technical and regulatory expertise 

✔ Global presence, local understanding 

For more information download our free Ethiopia Exporter Guide or  

Join Our Webinar to find out what other changes there has been to the Ethiopia PVOC programme and what other products are now regulated.  

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.