The Private Sector, through CTA, is concerned with the introduction of the measure on the grounds that it will increase the cost of importing goods listed in Decree 8/2022. Furthermore, according to CTA, the measure is also seen as increasing bureaucracy and the price of importing goods, and consequently the price for the final consumer, and it has questioned Intertek’s ability to expedite the issuing of conformity assessment certificates.
The position of the CTA follows the clarification meeting to businessmen held on 23/05, on the introduction of standardisation and verification of conformity.
For the Private Sector, the introduction of this measure constitutes one more non-tariff barrier for foreign trade, which will largely undermine the efforts undertaken, both by the Government and the Private Sector, aiming at improving the business environment in the country.
It was learned that the measure’s entry into force is postponed sine die, and the General Director of INNOQ – National Institute for Standardization and Quality, Geraldo Albasini, clarified that the measure will be implemented in a phased manner, not advancing new dates for its entry into force, however, he ensured a greater articulation with the Private Sector before communicating the new date of implementation.
He also clarified that the certifications should be made in the countries of origin and recommended that the businessmen, right now, should start to contact their suppliers or producers so that they are prepared and observe the quality norms for importation of products that are included in the list of the Decree so that they are not surprised when this measure is introduced in the country.
It also reported that the standards will be available for a fee on the INNOQ and Intertek websites. INNOQ acknowledged that the process still needs greater intersectoral coordination between the Government entities (Customs, INNOQ and MEF) and these with the Private Sector, highlighting the need for further dissemination and dialogue with the business class.
The information session followed a hybrid format, with the presence of 30 people, including members of the Fiscal Policy, Customs and International Trade Department of the CTA, representatives of Business Associations, Customs Brokers, INNOQ and the Directorate General of Customs. On the virtual side, the event was attended by around 100 participants, mostly South Africans.
O.Económico
