Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide and trusted expert in conformity assessment services, is pleased to announce its exclusive collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the country’s Eco-Levy programme.
Intertek has been appointed by Écologie et Développement Durable (Ecology and Sustainable Development—EDD) to collect the Eco-Levy on behalf of the DRC Fonds d'Intervention Pour l'Environnement (Environmental Intervention Fund—FIPE) and to exclusively issue an Eco-Certificate to all exporters bringing regulated products into the country.
The DRC Eco-Levy programme is a self-funded end-to-end risk-based assessment programme, designed to support and finance the end-of-life electronic waste (e-waste) management of certain regulated products. This includes both new and used goods such as tyres, electrical and electronic equipment.
Effective from 26 August 2024, all exporters to the DRC whose products are regulated under the Eco-Levy programme are required to provide an Eco-Certificate in accordance with local government regulations.
In its new role, Intertek will apply a risk-based approach to performing inspections of shipments. In addition, used regulated product consignments will be subject to mandatory inspections to ensure that the products are not wasted or scrapped. If a shipment of regulated products is found to be compliant, the Eco-Levy will be collected, and an Eco-Certificate issued to the applicant (exporter).
“We are pleased to be appointed by the Government of the DRC for this important Eco-Levy programme. Our appointment as the sole Conformity Assessment Body for this programme reflects the trust and confidence placed in Intertek’s expertise and capabilities. We are committed to ensuring the success of this initiative and supporting the DRC in achieving its environmental sustainability goals. This appointment also reinforces our position as a leading provider of conformity assessment services in Africa and worldwide,” said Jérémy Gaspard, Vice President Government and Trade Services (GTS) at Intertek.
Intertek is committed to sustainability and actively supports initiatives that promote environmental protection and sustainable development. Through this appointment, Intertek aims to support the goals of the DRC government in the responsible management of e-waste and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Ross McCluskey, Executive Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and GTS at Intertek, added: “This appointment highlights Intertek's commitment to delivering reliable solutions that prioritise safety, quality, and sustainability in Western and Central Africa. As we continue to expand our services across the region, our focus remains on assisting the DRC in achieving its environmental objectives, particularly in the responsible management of e-waste. We are focused on protecting consumers and supporting sustainable practices throughout the continent.”
In addition to the DRC, Intertek is also authorised to provide conformity assessment services in other African countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda.
