Frequently Asked Questions about the Gabonese VOC Programme (PROGEC)

1. What is PROGEC?

The Gabonese Conformity Assessment Programme (PROGEC) is a conformity assessment programme applied to products in the respective exporting countries to ensure their compliance with applicable Gabonese standards and reduce unsafe and substandard imported products and improve the collection of customs duties.

2. What are the objectives of PROGEC?

This programme aims to:

• combat the entry into Gabon of counterfeit or substandard goods that do not meet the quality requirements of national, regional and international standards
• protect buyers and consumers against goods that are dangerous to health, safety and the environment
• contribute to facilitating international trade while ensuring fair trade conditions for local producers.

3. Who is the responsible authority for PROGEC in Gabon?

PROGEC is implemented by the Gabonese Standard Agency AGANOR (Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation), a public establishment of an administrative nature created by Decree No. 0227/PR/MIMT of 23 June 2014 and placed under the supervision of the Ministry in charge of Industry.

4. Who is responsible for obtaining the Certificate of Conformity (COC)?

The COC application must be made by the exporter to his local Cotecna office. Click here to find your closest Cotecna office.

5. What products are covered by PROGEC and what are the requirements?

All products imported into Gabon identified by customs codes (HS codes) are subject to mandatory pre-shipment certification, with the exception of food products (HS codes/customs chapters: 01 to 24) and pharmaceutical products (HS codes/customs chapter: 30).

Also, shipments with a FOB value of €3,000 or more are subject to mandatory PROGEC certification.

6. What is the procedure to obtain a COC? 

The COC will be issued based on one of the following standards: Gabonese standards, regional standards (ARSO, CEMAC...), international standards or manufacturers' specifications.

The process of verifying conformity is carried out in 2 stages:

• Examination of the following documentation to assess product compliance
  
  • Fully completed certificate application form.
  • Proforma or final invoice
  • Certificate of analysis or a test report from a laboratory (internal or accredited)
  • Product data sheet
  • Manufacturer's certificate (ISO 9001)
• The issuance of the certificate of conformity requires the following mandatory documents:
  
  • Final invoice

7. What are the fees for establishing the COC?

All service providers, such as Cotecna, charge fees according to the valuation method applied for routes A, B or C:

8. Is it possible to pay the COC upon arrival of the goods in Gabon?

The principle of PROGEC is that the conformity assessment of imported products must be carried out before the goods are shipped to Gabon. Any import without prior COC will be subject to a fine imposed by AGANOR for the clearance of the goods.

9. Are used or second-hand goods subject to the issuance of a COC?

For used or second-hand products whose HS Code is listed in the products subject to the VOC programme, a COC is required.

10. How long will it take Cotecna to issue a COC?

After your initial contact, a dedicated local coordinator will respond within 24 hours. Your Cotecna coordinator will then review your documents and schedule the inspection if necessary. Once compliance has been achieved, Cotecna will issue your Certificate of Compliance within 48 hours.

For more information about the programme, please visit our dedicated page or contact us.