Madagascar has a developing product compliance framework focused on public health, technical regulation, and import control. While it does not operate a broad national conformity mark system, the government enforces regulations for pharmaceuticals, food, telecom, and essential consumer products, often referencing international (ISO/Codex) and regional African standards.

Key Authorities:

• Ministère de l’Industrie, du Commerce et de la Consommation (MICC) – Oversees consumer protection, labeling, and trade regulation.

• Bureau des Normes de Madagascar (BNM) – National standards body that develops and adopts Madagascar Standards (Normes Malagasy), often based on ISO or AFRIMETS.

• Ministry of Public Health – Regulates pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, and food supplements, including import authorization.

• Autorité de Régulation des Technologies de Communication (ARTEC) – Handles type approval and spectrum regulation for telecom and RF devices.

• Direction Générale des Douanes (Customs) – Manages import compliance and verification at entry points.

Key Compliance Elements:

• Standards and Certification:

  • While no universal conformity mark is in use, BNM standards may apply for specific regulated products (e.g., electrical goods, food, construction materials).

  • Madagascar often accepts compliance with international or regional standards (ISO, Codex, IEC).

• Product Registration:

  • Mandatory for:

    • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

    • Food products and supplements

    • Cosmetics and vaccines

  • Registration is managed by the Ministry of Health and requires submission of safety data, labeling, certificates of origin, and sample documentation.

• Telecom Type Approval (ARTEC):

  • All radio, wireless, and telecom equipment must be type approved before use or sale.

  • CE/FCC certification may be recognized as supporting evidence, but local approval is still required.

• Labeling Requirements:

  • Labels must be in French or Malagasy, and include:

    • Product name

    • Country of origin

    • Manufacturer/importer contact

    • Usage instructions and warnings

    • Expiry date or batch number (if applicable)

    • Certification or registration info (if relevant)

• Import Oversight:

  • Customs requires:

    • Commercial invoice

    • Certificate of origin

    • Registration certificate (for health products)

    • Telecom approval (for RF equipment)

    • Health or sanitary certificate (for food products)

• Market Surveillance:

Enforcement is carried out through MICC and Ministry of Health, with inspections focused on high-risk goods such as medicines and foodstuffs.