🔧 What is a certificate of conformity and how is it obtained?
Certificate of Conformity Explained: Essential Reading for Car Dealers. Simplify the Process, Comply with EU Rules, and Gain Customer Trust.
✅ What is a certificate of conformity?
The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is an official document issued by the manufacturer or its representative, which certifies that the vehicle meets European environmental, safety and homologation requirements. It is mandatory for the registration of new vehicles and often required for imported used vehicles.
📌 The importance of the certificate of conformity
- Legality: Proves compliance with EU rules.
- Matriculation: Essential for vehicles brought from abroad.
- Transparency: It provides security to the buyer.
- Fast transactions: It simplifies the entire administrative process.
🔍 What information does the certificate contain?
- European approval number
- VIN (chassis) series, make, model
- Emission standards, engine, weight, dimensions
- Safety test results
- Date of manufacture and issue
📬 How to obtain the certificate?
- Contact the manufacturer or official dealer
- Provide the VIN and car documents
- You pay the processing fee
- You receive the certificate in digital or printed format
Alternatively, you can turn to specialized companies – and PAC can advise you or mediate the entire process.
🚘 New vs. Used – important differences
New vehicles automatically benefit from a certificate from the manufacturer. Used vehicles, especially imported ones, may require additional documents: proof of origin, registration documents, proof of VAT payment, etc.
❌ What do you do if you don't have a COC?
You can request a duplicate from the manufacturer, importer or an authorized supplier. At PAC – Professional Auto Claims, we offer you complete, legal and fast assistance.
📄 Example of certificate of conformity
❓ Frequently asked questions
- Who issues the certificate? The authorized manufacturer or importer.
- Is it valid outside the EU? Generally, yes – in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland.
- Is it mandatory? Yes, for most EU registrations.
- Is it the same as the RAR file? No, the COC is issued by the manufacturer, the RAR sheet is local.