📜 Regulatory Framework

Under Section 16 of the Standards Act of 1997, the SCSR mandate empowers BOBS to regulate and verify imported commodities.
Designated inspection entities are tasked with performing conformity assessments, including:

• 📄 Documentary review of export documentation
• 🧪 Laboratory testing when conformity evidence is insufficient
• 🔍 Physical inspection and sampling in the country of supply
• 🧾 Issuance of the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or a Non‑Conformance Report (NCR)

The programme’s scope applies to all importers and exporters, covering both new and certain second‑hand goods.

📦 Scope of Products Covered

The SCSR expands the range of regulated products well beyond the earlier SIIR scope.

Product categories now include:

• 🔥 Fire safety equipment
• 🌾 Food and agricultural products
• ⚡ Electrical and electronic appliances
• 🧴 Chemicals and detergents
• 🚗 Automotive components (including tyres and safety glass)
• 🏗️ Building and construction materials

In addition, protective gloves, bottled water, electric cables, circuit breakers, domestic electrical tools and electric toys are included—reflecting Botswana’s focus on consumer protection and safety.

⚙️ Step‑by‑Step VoC Process

1- Request for Certificate

Exporters must file a Request for Certificate (RFC), submitting:

• A list and description of goods
• Proforma or final invoices
• Available conformity documents (e.g., test reports, quality certificates)
• Details on inspection readiness and location

2- Documentary Review and Testing

The inspection body reviews all information for compliance with Botswana or international standards (ISO, IEC, Codex, or manufacturer specifications when none apply).
If required, testing is conducted by an ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory.

3- Physical Inspection

Inspectors verify that:

Goods match their documentation

Labelling and markings follow English requirements

Products meet applicable safety and quality standards
Sampling may occur if additional analysis is needed.

4- Certificate Issuance

Once conformity is confirmed, a Certificate of Conformity is issued.

Non‑compliant consignments receive a Non‑Conformity Report, and exporters should not ship goods without a valid CoC.

🧾 Applicable Standards and Compliance Criteria

The SCSR requires compliance in the following order of priority:

1- Botswana Standards (BOBS)

2- International Standards (ISO, IEC, Codex Alimentarius, UNECE)

3- Other national standards (where international standards are unavailable)

4- Manufacturer specifications (in absence of the above)

Markings and instructions must be in English, and exporters bear the cost of inspection, sampling and testing.

🛡️ Objectives of the SCSR Programme

The programme’s key goals are to:

• 🚫 Prevent the importation of hazardous or substandard goods
• ✅ Ensure conformity and safety before shipment
• ⚖️ Protect consumers and maintain fair market competition
• 💼 Support the growth of Botswana’s industrial and trade integrity

🔁 Transition and Postponement Updates

Although the SCSR was first announced to take effect in December 2023, a BOBS postponement notice (29 November 2023) rescheduled its enforcement to April 1, 2024.
Until that date, inspections continue under the earlier SIIR framework, ensuring trade continuity while stakeholders adapt to the new regulations.

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

Ensuring compliance with Botswana’s SCSR requirements can be complex.

ComplyMarket provides end‑to‑end support, including:

• 📑 Guidance on document preparation and RFC submission
• 🔎 Verification of conformity documentation and test reports
• ⏱️ Timeline tracking for inspection and certificate issuance
• 🌍 Coordination between exporters, importers and authorized inspection entities

With ComplyMarket’s professional assistance, businesses can minimize delays, avoid costly rejections and maintain smooth, compliant trade with Botswana.