Definition of the certificate of conformity
The certificate of conformity (COC, for Certificate of Conformity) is a document issued by the vehicle manufacturer. It certifies that the vehicle leaves the factory conforming to a type approved at European level. This is known as EC type-approval.
The COC is recognised in every European Union country. It is what allows a vehicle bought in Germany, Belgium or Italy to be registered in France, and vice versa.
What is the COC for?
- Registering a vehicle imported from the EU (obtaining the registration certificate).
- Proving the vehicle’s exact technical characteristics to the authorities.
- Avoiding an individual conformity inspection at a national approval body on a case-by-case basis.
- Replacing a lost COC with an official duplicate.
What does a certificate of conformity contain?
The COC brings together all of the vehicle’s type-approval data:
- Brand, type, variant, version
- Chassis number (VIN)
- Type-approval number
- Weights (unladen, maximum)
- Dimensions
- Engine, displacement, power
- CO₂ emissions and Euro standard
- Noise level
- Number of seats
- Safety equipment
Paper COC or digital eCOC?
Since 5 July 2026, new EU vehicles receive a digital eCOC (signed XML). Earlier vehicles continue to use the paper COC. euroeCOC delivers both: we identify the exact format you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is the COC mandatory to register an imported vehicle?
Yes. For a vehicle imported from another EU country, the certificate of conformity is required to obtain the registration certificate.
Can I get a duplicate if I have lost my COC?
Yes. We obtain an official duplicate of the certificate from the manufacturer.
Is the COC valid throughout Europe?
Yes, the European certificate of conformity is recognised in every European Union member state.