1. Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)

BOBS is the national standards body responsible for developing and implementing Botswana Standards (BOS). It enforces both compulsory and voluntary standards across various sectors, including electrical, mechanical, automotive, chemicals, agriculture, food, building, and construction. BOBS is recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is an affiliate member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) . 

2. Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry oversees compliance in the agriculture value chain, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) to protect human, animal, and plant life from risks arising from pests, diseases, and contaminants in food and feed . 

3. Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA)

BOCRA regulates the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Botswana. It manages the type approval process for telecommunications and electronic equipment, ensuring compliance with national technical requirements . 

Product Certification and Compliance Requirements

• Standards (Compulsory Standards) Regulations (SCSR): Implemented on April 1, 2024, the SCSR mandates that all regulated products imported into Botswana undergo inspection in the country of origin and receive a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to ensure compliance with Botswana's technical regulations and mandatory standards . 

• Regulated Products: The list of regulated products under the SCSR includes household electrical appliances, lighting and luminaries, vehicle spare parts and accessories, mechanical and building construction products, firefighting products, food products, animal feed, and plastic products . 

• Certification Routes: Exporters and importers can obtain certification through various routes, including:

  • Product Certificate (PC): For frequent exporters/high-volume manufacturers.

  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC) in Country of Supply: For unregistered or occasional exporters/manufacturers.

  • CoC at Destination: For shipments without prior certification, subject to verification upon arrival in Botswana. 

• Labeling and Marking Requirements: Products must adhere to specific labeling requirements, including information such as product name, manufacturer details, country of origin, storage instructions, net weight/volume, list of contents, nutritional information, production and expiration dates, and lot identification. Labels must be in English and not misleading to consumers.