🧾 Background and Regulatory Framework

In April 2016, the Ministry of Commerce introduced the Import Policy Order 2016 (IPO 2016 – S.R.O 345(I)/2016) to regulate the import of goods into Pakistan and establish pre‑shipment inspection obligations.

This framework was reinforced by subsequent notifications, including S.R.O 604 for photovoltaic (solar) equipment and S.R.O 947 for product extensions.

In September 2020, the ministry consolidated all previous measures into Import Policy Order 2020 (S.R.O 902(I)/2020), which remains the prevailing regulation governing imports and verification of conformity.

Under this scheme, the Ministry appoints authorized inspection and certification entities to manage the verification process for specific products before export.

⚙️ Scope of the VoC Programme

The scope of the Pakistan VoC covers testing, inspection, and certification of goods intended for import, as applicable to their category.

These evaluations verify conformity with Pakistan’s standards and related regulations.

Mandating Body:

• Authority: Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan
• Notification: S.R.O 902 (2020), replacing S.R.O 345 (2016) and its amendments
• Implementation: Managed by designated inspection entities approved by the Ministry

📦 Products Covered Under the VoC Regulation

The VoC program primarily applies to the following categories:

• ☀️ Solar panels and related equipment (inverters, charge controllers, junction boxes, balance‑of‑system components, and solar water heaters)
• 🔫 Arms and ammunition (for importers licensed by the Government of Pakistan)

For solar products, a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) is mandatory for importation as per S.R.O 604 and S.R.O 947.

This certificate is issued only after satisfactory testing and inspection results of the shipment.

📌 Restrictions:

• Second‑hand solar equipment is not accepted.
• Arms and ammunition can only be imported through licensed importers, via air or sea ports.

📋 Technical & Labeling Requirements

To meet Pakistan’s VoC requirements, products must comply with the applicable Pakistan Standards (PS), IEC, or other recognized international standards.

Key stipulations include:

• All markings and instructions must be in English.
• For electrical goods: rated voltage must include 230 V, and frequency must include 50 Hz.
• Each arm or weapon must bear a unique serial number embossed for traceability.

For solar products, compliance with stringent performance and safety standards—such as IEC 61730, IEC 61215, and IEC 62109—is essential.

🧩 Certification Process Overview

The VoC process involves four stages that verify product, shipment, and documentation compliance:

Step 1: 📄 Application Submission

Exporters or importers submit a Request for Certificate (RFC) to an authorized inspection body.

The application includes:

• Pro forma or final invoice
• Packing list
• Product test reports (if available)
• Import dealer license (for arms and ammunition)

Step 2: 🔍 Inspection and Testing

Authorized inspectors evaluate goods for:

• Quantity and quality consistency
• Compliance with declared standards
• Visual conformity, labeling, and packaging checks

Testing is conducted if required by product category standards (particularly for photovoltaics).

Step 3: ✅ Certification Outcome

Upon successful assessment:

• Certificate of Conformance (CoC) is issued for solar panels and related appliances.
• Certificate of Verification (CoV) is issued for arms and ammunition.
  If product conformity is unsatisfactory, a Non‑Conformity Report (NCR) is provided instead.

Step 4: 📜 Documentation and Port Clearance

The importer presents the CoC or CoV during customs clearance.

These certificates affirm that the consignment meets the import standards of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, facilitating swift port processing.

💰 Fees and Responsibilities

• Certification fees are paid by the exporter.
• Additional costs may apply for testing, re‑inspection, or supplementary visits due to non‑conformity.
• Sellers are responsible for presenting goods for inspection and covering logistical expenses (unpacking, handling, testing, repacking, etc.).

🧠 Purpose and Benefits of the VoC Program

The Verification of Conformity initiative contributes to:

• Protecting Pakistan’s markets from unsafe or substandard products.
• Promoting quality assurance and consumer confidence.
• Supporting sustainable energy adoption through certified solar technology.
• Ensuring that all imports comply with safety, performance, and national quality standards.

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

ComplyMarket assists exporters and importers in meeting Pakistan’s VoC requirements by offering:

• Guidance on documentation and certification obligations.
• Coordination with authorized verification bodies.
• Review and preparation of technical files.
• Real‑time compliance monitoring throughout the pre‑shipment process.

With ComplyMarket’s expertise, your shipments align with Pakistan’s import standards, minimizing risks and accelerating approvals.