What is the Certificate of Conformity?
The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is a document harmonized throughout Europe and issued by the vehicle manufacturer's homologation department. It is mandatory for registering an imported vehicle in the United Kingdom.
The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is a European Community conformity certificate that enables the European identification of a vehicle through its EC type approval upon leaving the factory.
More than just a mandatory document for registering a European vehicle in another European country, it is systematically required when applying for the registration of a foreign vehicle. It allows the vehicle to be sold and registered in all European countries. It guarantees that the vehicle has been approved in Europe and complies with UK legislation.
Who Provides the Certificate of Conformity?
The COC is issued by the manufacturer's Homologation Department and certifies that the vehicle complies with European standards by assigning it a European Community Type Approval number.
It includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), model, category, type, European approval number, and other technical data required for registration purposes.
The Certificate of Conformity contains harmonized information applicable to all manufacturers and all European countries in accordance with Annex IX of European Directive 92/53/EEC. This conformity certificate is only available for vehicles manufactured for the European market after 1996.
The COC is one of the mandatory documents required to register in the United Kingdom a vehicle imported from another European country. It is therefore essential, as it certifies that your vehicle complies with European regulations. The document may be issued in the manufacturer's language—for example, German for Audi or Volkswagen Certificates of Conformity.
Purpose of Establishing a Single European Reference Document: The Certificate of Conformity
The purpose of the Certificate of Conformity is to establish a standardized reference document enabling the free movement of goods (cars and motorcycles) throughout Europe while ensuring compliance with each country's regulations.
The role of this European directive is to harmonize the standards specific to each EU Member State into a single European reference framework known as the European Certificate of Conformity.
The directive establishes a common procedure for European vehicle type approval, including technical and fiscal requirements. It modernizes technical documentation and regulates the issuance of European type approval numbers, allowing homologation services to issue Certificates of Conformity for new vehicles.
As a result, certificates issued by homologation authorities in compliance with European automotive standards are accepted by registration authorities throughout Europe.
This standardized European procedure certifies that a vehicle complies with European requirements and is eligible for EC type approval. The European Community Type Approval number has been mandatory since 1996.
Any vehicle that has obtained European type approval may be marketed and registered throughout the European Union.
Euro Conformité – Certificate of Conformity Service
Euro Conformité provides European Certificates of Conformity for imported cars and motorcycles, enabling you to register your vehicle quickly and easily.
Certificate of Conformity FAQ