A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a document issued by an exporter or a third-party inspection agency, certifying that the goods comply with the contract, the importing country's standards, or international standards. It is commonly used in customs clearance, bidding, and letter of credit negotiation, and is mandatory in countries such as those in the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Unlike a Certificate of Quality, which focuses on specific test data, a CoC emphasizes a declaration of conformity. Compared to an Inspection Certificate, it highlights compliance with standards rather than mere inspection results. Note: Confirm whether the importing country requires issuance by a specific agency (e.g., SGS, BV), ensure the certificate details match the invoice and packing list, and apply in advance as the validity period is usually short. Additionally, different countries may require different names, such as SASO for Saudi Arabia or SONCAP for Nigeria, requiring tailored handling.
📝 Examples
1. According to the contract, the seller must provide a Certificate of Conformity issued by SGS before shipment to prove that the products comply with EU CE standards. (Note: Used for letter of credit negotiation, emphasizing issuance by a third-party agency.)
2. The importer requires all electronic accessories to be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity; otherwise, they cannot be cleared through customs in Saudi Arabia. (Note: Demonstrates a mandatory customs clearance scenario, requiring SASO certification in advance.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner