The car certificate of conformity is an essential document when buying cars, as it guarantees that a vehicle complies with all the technical standards and regulations required by the European Union.
Whether they are new, imported or used vehicles, this document is essential to certify compliance with safety and emissions standards. That’s why understanding what it is and how it works is key to avoiding legal problems and ensuring your vehicle is properly documented.
In this article, find out what the car certificate of conformity meaning, and its importance in the process of legalizing vehicles. Also find out how to request it if you don’t have one.
What Is The Certificate Of Conformity?
A conformity certificate for a car is a document issued by car manufacturers certifying that the model meets all the safety and environmental requirements demanded by the European Union (EU).
By having this declaration, the owner can drive freely in the EU.
What Are The Characteristics Of The Certificate Of Conformity?
This document must contain all the information about the vehicle, such as:
- VIN;
- Manufacturer’s identification;
- Model approval number;
- Technical specifications;
- Vehicle dimensions;
- Greenhouse gas emissions;
- Fuel consumption.
As a rule, it must be written in one of the EU’s official languages and in such a way as to prevent counterfeiting. In other words, the paper must be protected by colored graphics or a watermark identifying the manufacturer.
If the manufacturer issues duplicates of the certificate, the document must state that it is a duplicate.
What Types Of Certificates Of Conformity Are There?
Although the European certificate of conformity is the most common, there is another type of document that certifies compliance with the legislation in force.
Find out what types of car certificates exist.
European Certificate Of Conformity
In the case of a European certificate, it is valid in any EU country, regardless of the language in which it is issued.
For example, if the car has a valid CE certificate, the Portuguese authorities cannot demand additional technical documentation.
National Certificate
Unlike the previous certificate, this one is only valid in the country of issue. As a general rule, the national certificate is issued for:
- Buses;
- Trucks;
- Vans;
- Vintage cars;
- Trailers.
Custom vehicles built before May 2009 must also apply for this certificate.
Who uses a certificate of conformity?
The COC is now only compulsory for cars whose date of manufacture is 1996 or later.
Therefore, only cars before 1996 do not normally need a certificate of conformity.
Is The Certificate Of Conformity Necessary For Imported Vehicles?
The automobile certificate of conformity is one of the documents required to legalize imported cars. Without it, you won’t be able to start the legalization process.
If you don’t have the COC, you should ask the seller of the vehicle for it.
How To Get a COC Certificate?
To have a certificate of conformity, you must:
1. Contact The Manufacturer
The first step is to contact the manufacturer, dealership or representative to request a COC for your vehicle.
Alternatively, you can request the COC online, as some car brands offer this service of certificate of conformity download.
2. Provide The Necessary Information
To issue the COC, the manufacturer may ask for some information such as the VIN, model and variant of the vehicle.
Depending on what is requested, you must send all the necessary documentation.
In some cases, brands may ask for the car to be checked in order to issue the certificate of conformity. So be prepared for this possibility.
3. Pay Applicable Fees
Manufacturers usually charge a fee for issuing this document.
If this is the case, you must pay according to the conditions laid down by the manufacturer.
What Documents Are Required To Obtain The Certificate Of Conformity?
In order to issue the European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the manufacturer may ask for the owner’s identification (e.g. ID card or citizen’s card), as well as proof of purchase of the vehicle.
You can also request the Single Vehicle Document.
How Long Does It Take To Get a COC?
The process of issuing the certificate of conformity varies from brand to brand, so its deadlines also vary.
This means that the process can take weeks or months. But, as a general rule, the average time taken to issue a COC is 3 weeks.
Before applying for the certificate, ask the manufacturer how long it will take to complete the process.
What does it cost to get a COC?
Once again, costs vary from brand to brand, as do specifications such as the vehicle’s country of origin. Generally speaking, the cost of issuing a COC is in the hundreds of euros.
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