What is the eCOC?
The eCOC (electronic Certificate of Conformity) is the digital version of the certificate of conformity. It is a structured XML file, electronically signed by the manufacturer under the eIDAS standard. This signature guarantees its authenticity and integrity, and allows it to be accepted in every EU member state.
In short: the eCOC contains exactly the same information as a paper COC, but in a format that authorities can read and verify automatically, with no printed document.
Quick definition
eCOC = certificate of conformity in XML format, digitally signed, legally valid throughout the EU. It gradually replaces the paper COC.
Timeline: the key eCOC dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 5 July 2026 | New vehicles type-approved in the EU are issued with a mandatory eCOC (signed XML). |
| Until 29 November 2026 | Transition period: the paper COC or a printout of the eCOC is still accepted for registration. |
| Before 5 July 2026 | No eCOC obligation for vehicles already manufactured: the paper COC remains the reference. |
What changes in practice
- The certificate becomes a transmissible, verifiable electronic file instead of a paper document.
- Registration authorities can retrieve and check the data directly, which streamlines cross-border procedures.
- The digital signature greatly reduces the risk of forged certificates.
- For the importer, the essentials do not change: you still need a valid certificate matching the vehicle in order to register it.
Who is affected — and who isn’t
Affected: vehicles with EU type-approval and type-approved from 5 July 2026 — passenger cars, vans, buses, heavy goods vehicles and trailers.
Not affected: vehicles manufactured before that date. That is the case for almost every vehicle imported or bought used today. For those, the paper COC issued by the manufacturer remains perfectly valid.
Key point
Importing a used car? In the vast majority of cases, a paper COC is what you need. We check the exact format required for your file free of charge.
How to obtain your eCOC (or your COC)
euroeCOC obtains the certificate from the manufacturer for you, in the format required by your authority: paper COC or digital eCOC. We check every detail (VIN, variant, version) before sending.
- 1
You fill in the request
Brand, model and chassis number (VIN). A few minutes is enough, all online.
- 2
We check and quote
We confirm the required format (paper or eCOC), the exact price and the turnaround. You approve.
- 3
We obtain the certificate
We retrieve the COC / eCOC from the manufacturer and check every detail.
- 4
You receive your COC
Delivery of the certificate, ready for your registration. A contact remains reachable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the eCOC mandatory?
From 5 July 2026, new vehicles type-approved in the EU are issued with a mandatory eCOC. A transition period allows paper until 29 November 2026 at the latest.
Is my used car affected by the eCOC?
No, if it was manufactured before 5 July 2026. In that case, the paper COC remains valid for registration.
What exactly is an eCOC file?
A structured XML file, digitally signed by the manufacturer under the eIDAS standard, which guarantees its authenticity and its acceptance throughout the EU.
What is the legal basis for the eCOC?
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/133, adopted under Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on the approval of vehicles.