🎯 Key Objectives

The CBCA program supports Somalia’s regulatory framework by:

• 🛡️ Safeguarding the well‑being of consumers and protecting the environment.
• 📦 Ensuring product quality and preventing the circulation of substandard goods.
• ⚖️ Promoting fair competition and preventing dumping of non‑compliant products.
• ⚙️ Streamlining clearance procedures for faster customs processing.

📜 Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Authority: Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS)
• Based On: Verification of conformity to Somali standards and internationally recognized benchmarks (ISO, IEC, Codex Alimentarius, UNECE, SMIIC).
• Implementation Date: Effective 15 July 2023 for new shipments.
• Official Entry Points: Mogadishu seaport and airport, Kismayo, Merca, Bossaso, Galkayo, and Garowe.

Goods arriving without a valid Certificate of Conformity are not cleared by customs and may be subject to penalties.

🧾 Products Covered & Exemptions

The CBCA applies to all exported products, except for:

• Personal effects and non‑commercial parcels
• Diplomatic imports
• Perishable food (fresh fruits, vegetables, chilled meat)
• Livestock and express courier shipments
• Donations and humanitarian aid
• Industrial machinery not intended for resale

Certain products require special import licenses or type approvals, especially agricultural inputs, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and telecommunications equipment.

⚙️ The Certification Process

Step 1 – Application

Exporters must submit a Request for Certificate (RFC) containing:

• Invoice, packing list, and HS codes
• Test reports, quality certificates, or analysis results
• Details on goods and inspection availability

Step 2 – Routes to Compliance

To simplify trade and balance risk, exporters can choose one of four routes:

• Route A: Standard certification for any good/trader
• Route B: Registration for previously approved products
• Route C: Licensing for frequent exporters/manufacturers
• Route D: For consolidated cargo through registered consolidators

Step 3 – Review & Testing

All documents and test reports are examined.

Laboratory testing may be done through accredited facilities when required.

Step 4 – Inspection

Verification ensures the goods match documentation and comply with Somali standards.

For full‑container loads, loading may be witnessed and sealed.

Step 5 – Certificate Issuance

If compliant, a secured Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued.

If not, a Non‑Conformity Report (NCR) is provided.

Exporters are strongly advised not to ship before receiving the CoC.

💡 Facilitation Options for Regular Traders

To help frequent exporters save time:

• Statement of Registration (SoR) – for pre‑approved goods
• Statement of Licensing (SoL) – for registered manufacturers

These options reduce inspection frequency and accelerate certificate issuance, provided ongoing compliance is ensured.

🧮 Fees & Responsibilities

Certification fees are paid by the exporter and vary depending on the inspection route:

• Route A – 0.6 % of FOB value
• Route B – 0.5 %
• Route C – 0.4 %
• Route D – 0.6 %

Minimum fee: USD 265 | Maximum fee: USD 5,000
Testing or re‑inspection charges apply separately.

🚫 Prohibited & Restricted Goods

The following are not allowed to enter Somalia:

• Pork and its derivatives
• Recreational drugs, intoxicants, and alcoholic beverages
• Gambling devices, counterfeit goods, or tobacco derivatives
  Import of sensitive or hazardous items requires special authorization from relevant Somali authorities.

⚠️ Enforcement Updates & Penalties

SOBS Public Notice – August 2023

SOBS issued a public notice effective 1 September 2023, mandating that all imports must be accompanied by a valid CoC.

Shipments arriving without certification would incur penalties.

Incident – May 2024

Authorities seized substandard flour at Mogadishu Port on 22 May 2024.

The consignment lacked the required CoC and was rejected, reinforcing the government’s zero‑tolerance toward non‑compliant goods.

New Directive – Effective 1 January 2025

As per recent guidance, higher penalty fees will apply from January 2025 for consignments entering Somalia without a valid Certificate of Conformity.

Such shipments risk rejection and financial penalties, underscoring the importance of compliance.

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

ComplyMarket supports exporters and importers in meeting Somalia’s CBCA requirements efficiently.
Our experts assist with:

• Document preparation and verification
• Coordination with authorized inspection entities
• Tracking certification timelines and compliance updates
• Preventing costly rejections or penalties at Somali ports

With ComplyMarket’s guidance, your exports remain compliant, timely, and risk‑free.