Is A COC For Cars Important? Here’s Everything To Know

You need a COC for cars to register foreign vehicles in the EU. Some non-EU countries like the UK also require this document as proof that the vehicle complies with the country’s road and safety regulations.

Here is everything you should know about this document and the best way to process yours.

What Is A COC For Cars?

A European Certificate of Conformity (COC) is a document that demonstrates that your car complies with EU standards. Your car’s manufacturer should ordinarily make this document but if not, an EU COC from an approved representative is also acceptable.

Your EU certificate of conformity contains substantial information that proves your car has been made to match type approval standards. Vehicles have to meet certain environmental and safety regulations and the COC shows that.

When car manufacturers draw up an EU certificate of conformity, they become responsible for the vehicle’s adherence to EU regulatory and technical requirements.

What Does A Certificate of Conformity Contain?

The exact characteristics of a Certificate of Conformity may differ depending on the issuer but your European COC should generally contain the following:

• Details identifying the car such as information on its model, type, and serial number. Also called the (VIN number or chassis number)[insert “VIN number” article link], the serial number can be found on the engine block or on the driver’s side of the dashboard.
• A declaration confirming the manufacturer accepts responsibility.
• The manufacturer or authorized person’s name and signature.
• COC issuance date.
• A reference to any necessary legislation and general standards that the vehicle complies with.
• Technical information e.g the vehicle’s mass, engine size, and dimensions.

In cases where the country you intend to drive the vehicle in is not English-speaking, the EU Certificate of Conformity should be translated to the country’s appropriate language.

Do I Need A COC For A Car?

Providing your EU Certificate of Conformity is mandatory in most cases, for importing and exporting vehicles to countries in the EU. You will need to present the document to successfully register the car imported from outside the EU.

The COC confirms that your vehicle is safe for use on public roads in the EU country you live in. Submitting a COC during registration might be optional if you have imported the vehicle from another EU country.

If you are required to submit the original copy of your COC during vehicle registration, you can get a duplicate copy of the document. A duplicate is as genuine as the original EU COC and contains all necessary information.

How Can I Get A COC For My Car?

If you are buying a used vehicle, the COC might not be retrieved from the first owner so you will need to obtain a new one.

• Manufacturers: The most direct route to obtaining a COC is through the vehicle’s manufacturer. This is often seen as the most straightforward option since manufacturers can directly issue a COC for their vehicles. However, this option can be time-consuming and costly, especially if the manufacturer is based outside the EU or if the vehicle is an older model for which records are not readily available. Pros include authenticity and direct issuance. Cons are potential high costs and longer processing times.
• Local Dealers: Some vehicle dealers are equipped to assist with obtaining a COC for imported vehicles, especially if they are affiliated with the manufacturer. While this option can be more convenient than contacting the manufacturer directly, availability and costs can vary significantly. Pros include convenience and potential support services. Cons are varied availability and possible additional fees.
• Service Providers: Specialized service providers offer mediation services to obtain COCs for imported European vehicles. These companies have established processes and relationships with manufacturers and regulatory bodies, which can streamline the COC acquisition process. Pros include expertise, efficiency, and often lower costs. Cons may include reliance on a third party for official documentation. We recommend that you always check the credibility of the provider and read the reviews available on the internet.

Get your COC for cars from an authorized representative like EUROCOC to make it available quickly. EUROCOC also makes COCs for other vehicle types, allowing you to get a COC for light goods vehicles or a COC for motorcycles without delay.