SGS Product Conformity Assessment Brochure - EN - Ensuring the Quality of Your Goods

Aug 30, 2026

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SGS Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) helps ensure traded products meet regulatory requirements in the importing country by verifying compliance with applicable standards and technical regulations. It relies on expert reviews of verification activities such as laboratory testing, physical inspections, and factory audits, and results in a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) used for mandatory customs clearance. PCA reduces risks of unsafe, substandard, or counterfeit goods, supports government enforcement, accelerates customs, and helps exporters avoid rejection through pre-shipment compliance checks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Product conformity assessment

Ensuring quality and safe trade

How SGS PCA works

Exporter Portal

PCA procedure

Teamwork and partnership

Product conformity assessment ENSURE THE QUALITY OF YOUR GOODS ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL TRADE In today’s globalized markets and fast growing economy, the increasing volumes of goods traded between countries is not only the sign of mutual benefits but also a major source of concern for government authorities due to the safety and traceability of the products. The exchange of products and services between countries means an increase in beneficial commerce with business partners as well as a productive crossing of borders. This interaction requires mutual understanding and adherence to internationally recognized standards that must adapt to the ever-changing spirit of the global economy. With the world trade linked as one global market, the clients’focus is extending beyond timely delivery and acceptable quality and quantity. Each country’s concerns pivot on consistency and compliance in trade practices as well as the protection and safety of their human, animal, and plant life resources. To ensure these concerns are addressed, an increasing number of governments have instituted Conformity Assessment as part of their plans for sustainable development. SGS Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) is a solution designed to ensure that products meet the specific requirements set by a regulatory authority in the importing country. The solution consists of verifying product’s compliance with the requirements of applicable standards and technical regulations following a review by SGS product specialists, of reports from verification activities such as laboratory testing, physical inspection and factory audits. Conformity of products is evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), a document that is mandatory for customs clearance. SGS CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT: GLOBAL SERVICES AND LOCAL SOLUTIONS SGS PCA prevents the importation of unsafe, substandard or counterfeit goods; it supports government authorities to enforce the implementation of obligatory legislations established for the protection of consumer’s health and safety and the environment. PCA helps trade facilitation and protects the interests of traders: importers benefit from a faster customs clearance process because verification activities have been completed prior to shipment, and exporters do not take the risk to have their goods rejected at the country of destination because of noncompliance with the requirements. SGS PCA benefits consumers as well as regulators, manufacturers, and the trade community. It enhances sustainable development and facilitates trade and access to the global markets. Although product conformity requirements will vary, regulators, traders and consumers have expectations about the product that converge toward safety, quality, ecology, reliability and/or interoperability. SGS PCA is not only a solution to assure the conformity of the products to be traded on a specific market; it is primarily an integrated service combining other automated solutions. These solutions facilitate the trade, accelerate the movement of goods and provide factual risk data to support decision-making for further investigations and market surveillance. Conformity Assessment programs support government authorities to enforce the implementation of obligatory legislations when public health, safety and the environment are at stake. HOW IT WORKS 1. EXPORTER PORTAL The Exporter Portal allows you to request a certificate of conformity, registration or license online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can then complete your application at your own pace, whether you are in a hurry or placing an order far in advance. To prevent delays and ensure the process runs smoothly, you can: • Quickly upload documents, which are directly indexed to the PCA case number, for easy reference • Contact SGS experts directly, so they can answer your questions and clarify any issues • Track incoming messages from SGS agents though our status and

FAQs

What is SGS Product Conformity Assessment (PCA)?

It is a service designed to ensure products meet specific requirements set by a regulatory authority in the importing country through compliance verification.

How does PCA support customs clearance?

Compliance is evidenced by issuing a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which is mandatory for customs clearance.

What verification activities may be included in the PCA procedure?

Depending on the product and certification scheme, verification can include product testing, inspection, factory or desk audits, and documentary review.

Aug 30, 2026

Upload by Paura