Generally speaking, countries rely on institutions like Port Health or the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) to ensure that imported goods entering their borders are of a safe and appropriate standard. Many developing countries don’t have these resources in place. Instead they rely on certification from the supplier that the goods conform to an appropriate and stipulated safety and quality standard.
These certificates of conformity must be issued by an approved regulatory body once the goods have been tested based on requirements set by the country of import. To name some examples, testing may be required to prove that:
- Dangerous, flammable, or corrosive products are correctly manufactured and packed.
- The goods are of an industry related safety and quality standard.
- The goods are of a quality fit for human consumption.
- The goods are not counterfeit.
A certificate of conformity may be issued based on product testing done by the supplier if adequate and reliable test results are available. If this is not possible the regulator must oversee testing. In either case, a shipment inspection is done to ensure the goods are in line with what the importer expects.
Once all checks have been carried out and shipment found adequate, a certificate of conformity (CoC) is issued.
Example of a Certificate of Conformity
