SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an article in its Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) Newsletter looking at the provisions in Tanzania’s pre-shipment verification of conformity (PVoC) program and recent changes to banned and prohibited goods.  

Tanzania has enforced a PVoC program for general goods since 2012. It helps the government to protect citizens and the environment while ensuring products offered onto the market conform to accepted quality criteria.

SGS’s PCA Newsletter article looks at the program’s objectives, labeling requirements and recent changes to the list of banned and prohibited products – plastic bags and cosmetics.  

Read the original PCA Newsletter article, ‘Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity for Tanzania’. [link to: www.sgs.com/en/news/2022/06/pre-shipment-verification-of-conformity-for-tanzania]

SGS Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) Services

SGS assists companies around the world in successfully accessing markets in Africa and the Middle East. Utilizing an unrivalled network of industry specialists and state-of-the-art laboratories, they provide high-quality conformity assessment solutions to exporters in all industry sectors. SGS is also contracted by several governments to provide pre-export verification of conformity (or PVoC) services. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS PCA Services.

Subscribe to PCA Newsletter

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About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an article in its Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) Newsletter looking at recent changes to Uganda’s Pre-export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program.

Uganda has enforced a PVoC program for imported goods for several years. It ensures products offered onto the market in Uganda conform to a set of mandatory standards that are periodically reviewed and updated.

SGS’s PCA Newsletter article looks at the impact of recent changes, covering the updated Schedule of Compulsory Uganda Standards, mandatory PVoC inspections for fishing gear, and the acceptability of laboratory test reports.  

Read the original PCA Newsletter article, ‘New Developments in Uganda’s PVoC Program’

SGS Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) Services

SGS assists companies around the world in successfully accessing markets in Africa and the Middle East. Utilizing an unrivalled network of industry specialists and state-of-the-art laboratories, they provide high-quality conformity assessment solutions to exporters in all industry sectors. SGS is also contracted by several governments to provide pre-export verification of conformity (or PVoC) services. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS PCA Services.

Subscribe to PCA Newsletter

Subscribe to the PCA Newsletter by going to the Subscription Center, selecting Connectivity & Products at Step 1 and then the topic Government & Trade Facilitation at Step 2.

For more information, please contact: 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/cp

LinkedIn: www.sgs.com/linkedinconsumer  

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

The original Liberty Dollar, a US-based alternative currency founded in 1998 — predating Bitcoin by a decade - has been reimagined for the crypto age as LD2, a precious metals-backed digital token protocol and cryptocurrency. Each LD2 token is a receipt for a custom-minted, one troy ounce silver or gold coin.

Originally an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token, LD2 is now expanding the first issuance of its limited-edition LD2.zero digital tokens through a move to the more eco-friendly WAX blockchain (powered by EOSIO). LD2.zero tokens are now available for purchase with WAX tokens.

“The Liberty Dollar was extremely successful, not only as a private, alternative currency, but also as an influential model for the cryptocurrency movement. By reimagining the Liberty Dollar through LD2, we have merged this tried and tested alternative currency model with blockchain technology,” said LD2 co-founder, Extra von NotHaus. “Moving from Ethereum to WAX was a natural choice for us. With zero gas fees and carbon-neutral transactions, WAX is a better match with the ethos of LD2.”

LD2 joins other popular content creators already on the NFT-focused WAX blockchain, from the likes of Atari and Funko to Marvel and DC. Beyond the fungible LD2.zero, LD2 is now building a premier NFT 2.0 solution on WAX, which will bring real-world asset backing and price stability to NFTs for the very first time. By utilizing LD2’s WAX-based token, this new solution can attach real-world value through silver bullion to any digital NFT asset on the WAX blockchain.

100% Backed, Redeemable and Exchangeable

Blockchain technology allows LD2 to retain the spirit, principles, methodology and community that made the Liberty Dollar special, while also offering the opportunity to expand functionality with new features, liquidity and utility.

“Complete transparency and security, along with high transaction speed and volume, are just a few of the benefits offered by the WAX blockchain that enable us to bring this real-world value to cryptocurrency users everywhere, and now to NFTs as well,” said Steven Brendtro, co-founder of LD2. “There’s never been a better time to apply the lessons and success of the Liberty Dollar model to cryptocurrency and NFTs.”

LD2 digital tokens function as blockchain-based digital warehouse receipts. Simply put, this means that a customer buys the physical silver up-front, and instead of taking immediate delivery of that silver, receives a warehouse receipt in the form of a digital token. LD2 LLC only sells silver, not tokens — the digital tokens are always the receipt.

Since the physical silver coins are purchased up-front, these tokenized receipts can be redeemed at any time for the physical silver coins. Token holders’ silver coins are secured in a fully insured vault that is subject to strict third-party audits on a regular basis, with results recorded on-chain. The US$50 price for the silver LD2.zero coins includes prepayment of storage and insurance in this vault for ten years from issuance.

Only 10,000 LD2.zero tokens were initially issued, backed by a limited-edition, one troy ounce brilliant uncirculated (BU) .999 fine silver coin with the stunning 20th Anniversary Liberty Dollar design. LD2.zero coins are now even scarcer, with less than 3,000 remaining for purchase. In addition to our crowdsale, LD2.zero is currently listed on the Alcor decentralized exchange and the tokens (with the physical silver ownership) can be transferred peer-to-peer through WAX-compatible wallets with no transaction/gas fees.

Built on an Amazing Legacy

The original Liberty Dollar certificates were backed by real gold and silver coins. Created in 1998 by Bernard von NotHaus, a world-renowned alternative currency pioneer, over US$50 million worth of Liberty Dollars entered circulation during its first decade. In all, Liberty Dollar served over 250,000 users and was accepted by more than 5,000 merchants in all fifty states. The Liberty Dollar eventually went on to secure the title of being the single most popular alternative currency in the United States.

The Liberty Dollar’s massive popularity attracted the attention of the US government well before Bitcoin upended the global perception of alternative currencies. However, following a ten-year legal battle, Bernard walked away a free citizen with just a slap on the wrist, while federal prosecutors were forced to return the lion’s share of Liberty Dollar assets seized in their initial raid to the certificate holders. This represented a major win for alternative currency holders and cryptocurrency users around the world.

The legacy of the Liberty Dollar and its amazing history is expected to be mirrored by the global reach of LD2, co-founded by Bernard’s son, Extra von NotHaus, and former Regional Currency Officer for the original Liberty Dollar, Steven Brendtro.

More Coins & NFT 2.0: Real-world value coming to NFTs

Following the imminent sale of the remaining limited-edition LD2.zero tokens, LD2 will launch open-ended versions of silver and then gold coin-backed digital tokens, named LD2.silver and LD2.gold, respectively. These tokens, as with all tokens issued on the LD2 protocol, will be backed by fine quality coins, but with different designs than the limited-edition version. An LD2-developed and patented real-time physical asset-backed debit card is also in the works for future release.

LD2 also directly benefits from launching on the NFT-centric WAX blockchain, home to popular creators such as Topps, Funko, and Marvel, along with game platforms Alien Worlds, Farmers World, Splinterlands, and HodlGod. The NFT space is booming with growth and innovation, but it notoriously suffers from inherent risk — NFTs can lose all of their value at any time. That is, until now:

LD2 is on the bleeding edge of next-generation NFT 2.0 technology. Unlike other backing options that rely on empty, fiat tokens which become equally worthless in a market correction, LD2 attaches warehouse receipts directly to NFTs, which directly ties the NFT to vaulted physical precious metal. Ownership of the attached warehouse receipt can be easily transferred from person to person, as with any LD2 protocol token. The NFT 2.0 solution now carries real-world value and has become a price-stable asset.

It should come as no surprise that NFT owners are excited about bringing real-world value to their NFTs, especially to games that pay rewards. LD2 can make this happen by not only issuing ultra-collectible silver-backed LD2 NFTs, but also offering the physical backing to existing NFTs from other content creators and establishing itself as the in-game currency of choice for NFT gaming platforms.

“Our vision is to create the ultimate form of crypto-liquidity backed by real gold and silver that belongs to the users,” said Extra von NotHaus. “We are proud of LD2.zero, and look forward to taking the next step and launching LD2.silver very soon. LD2.silver will allow far more individuals to take advantage of real, value-backed money and the benefits that brings to society, along with even more as we expand into the NFT space.” LD2.zero tokens are now available for purchase with WAX tokens.

“LD2 is certainly the best product of its type in the world and we have the best, most experienced team to execute its success,” Extra von NotHaus said.

For more details about LD2 tokens, please click here: https://wax.ld2coin.io/crowdsale
To access the XLDZ / WAX trading pair, please click here: https://wax.alcor.exchange/trade/XLDZ-theld2coinio_WAX-eosio.token

About LD2 LLC:
LD2 LLC is an American company founded in 2018 with the mission of re-popularizing value-backed money as a silver and gold coin-backed digital token protocol and cryptocurrency. Physical coins are secured in an insured and audited vault, guaranteed to back digital LD2 tokens on a 1:1 ratio. A limited edition silver coin-backed LD2.zero coin is available for sale now, with less than 3,000 coins remaining. Following LD2.zero, silver coin-backed LD2.silver tokens will be made available as uncapped issuances on cryptocurrency exchanges.

LD2 Official Channels:
Website: https://ld2coin.io
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ld2Coin
Discord: https://discord.gg/MzJrJmJEcG

A powder blue, fully restored 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible sped off for $82,600 and a Canadian Red Indian Aviation Motor Oil sign from the 1930s changed hands for for $47,200 in Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.’s online-only Petroliana, Railroadiana & Advertising auction held on June 18th. Overall, the auction grossed $628,674.

All prices in this report are in Canadian dollars and include an 18 percent buyer’s premium.

The ‘59 Corvette was originally a New Mexico car, later purchased in Canada in 1979 by Joe Byway, whose collection headlined the auction. Joe stored the car until 1985 and then commissioned Dave Harrison with a restoration. It was a meticulously maintained, rust-free car. Not all numbers matched but the car boasted a correct 283 c.i. 230 hp V8 engine.

The Canadian Red Indian Aviation Motor Oil single sided porcelain sign from the 1930s was a seldom seen sign promoting Red Indian's Aviation brand of motor oil. The vibrant cobalt blue and blood red graphics popped against the white ground. The 26 inch by 72 inch sign retained the original flanged mounting ends and was graded 8.75 for condition.

The Joe Byway collection featured petroliana (gas station collectibles), railroadiana and advertising tins and signs. Some toys were also sold. “The top fifty lots met or exceeded our expectations, and the market for top-tier petroliana continues on an upward trajectory, said Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., adding, “All the vehicles sold at or above estimates.”

The vehicles he refers to included a 1937 Ford Model 78 Deluxe convertible sedan, a rare open-air car with rear doors and the original paint (except for the front fenders). The restoration included new upholstery, carpet and convertible top. The car was powered by the correct flathead V8 engine and the odometer showed just 10,175 miles ($32,450).

Also sold was a 1972 GMC 1500 Custom pickup truck with 49,138 miles on the odometer. The rust-free truck featured a long box, three-speed manual transmission, the original interior and correct original 307ci V8 engine (undetailed). The restoration, by Ernie Droogers, included new paint, headliner and a re-chromed rear bumper ($30,680).

Following are additional highlights from the 299-lot auction, one in which 368 users registered to bid online, via MillerandMillerAuctions.com and LiveAuctioneers.com, and placed a combined 5,996 bids. One hundred percent of lots sold, and 86 percent of the top 50 lots exceeded estimate. “It was a feel-good sale that energized the market,” Mr. Miller said.

Among the railroadiana lots, bigger didn’t necessarily mean better. A collection of rare badges rose to a combined $18,800, led by a group of six Canadian National Railway badges from the 1930s that blasted through their $300-$500 estimate to bring $7,080. Five of the nickel-plated brass and sterling silver badges were marked, “J.R. Gaunt & Son, Montreal, Made in England.”

An Eco-Meter 150 "Clockface" Gasoline Pump (Canadian, 1930s), 82 inches tall by 22 inches wide and painted to Shell colors, with a reproduction globe, went to a determined bidder for $29,500. Also, a single-sided porcelain Red Indian Motor Oil sign (Canadian, 1930s), with a raised border, 26 inches tall by 72 inches wide, graded 8.75, hit $24,780.

A General Motors double-sided porcelain sign (American, 1950s), reading “Pontiac, Buick, GM Truck”, 96 inches tall by 72 inches wide, with atomic age design, consisting of six pieces (three sections per side), realized $23,600; and a double-sided porcelain Supertest Gasoline Service Station sign (Canadian, 1930s), 48 inches in diameter and graded 8.75 on each side for condition, with scattered losses and chips, made $18,880.

A double-sided porcelain White Rose Gasoline “Slate Boy” sign (Canadian, 1940s), with the iconic “Boy and Slate” graphics, 48 inches in diameter, graded 8.75/8.5, found a new home for $23,600; while a White Rose Service Station sign (also Canadian, circa 1940s), a three-piece set including two horizontal panels and a rare 36-inch diameter round sign, each piece single sided porcelain, blew past its $8,000 high estimate to finish at $18,880.

A double-sided porcelain Dominion Royal Tires sign (Canadian, 1940s), marked “P&M Orillia” on the lower edge of each side, 65 inches tall by 70 inches wide and graded 8.5 on each side, garnered $10,620. Also, a Service Station Equipment Clearvision double gasoline pump (Canadian, 1930s), 127 inches tall, having an older restoration to Sunoco colors, reproduction globes and one aluminum and one steel bonnet, went for $21,240.

An Imperial 3-Star Gasoline double-sided porcelain service station sign (Canadian, 1940s), retained in the original porcelain oval ring, 41 inches by 60 inches, graded 9.5 and 9.25, rang up $7,080; while a Texaco Gasoline double-sided porcelain service station sign (Canadian, 1957), marked, "P&M Orillia 57" on the lower edge of one side, 5 feet in diameter, graded 8.75 on both sides, with minor scattered porcelain losses, hit $6,490.

Miller & Miller Auctions has two online-only auctions planned for the fall. They are a Petroliana & Advertising auction (Sept. 10) and a Canadiana & Folk Art auction (Oct. 8). To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., and their upcoming auctions, please visit www.millerandmillerauctions.com.