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What is a Certificate of Conformity: Importance, criticality, and risk factors

A certificate of conformity is issued by an authorized party and states that the product meets the required standards or specifications. Learn all about CoC here.
Certificate of Conformity
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued by an authorized entity, and is used to confirm that a product adheres to specified standards or requirements. A CoC may be necessary in the following scenarios: 1) It can be requested by a buyer to ensure that the product has been tested and meets specific criteria, covering both technical and safety requirements; 2) It may be a mandatory requirement dictated by country regulations and laws for certain products.1

To ensure the authenticity of a product and guarantee its compliance with regulatory standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced the system of issuing Certificates of Conformity.

What is a certificate of conformity?

In India, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to goods and articles that meet the specific criteria outlined in the relevant Indian Standards. Due to factors like national security, public interest, and to prevent unfair trade practices, etc., the Government of India has made it mandatory for certain products to comply with Indian Standards. Manufacturers who produce items that fall within the scope of a CoC are required to obtain this certificate. It is mandatory to affix the CoC number on each product that is certified. Additionally, all products subject to mandatory CoC must be produced using BIS Standard-marked (ISI Marked) materials.2

Who issues the certificate of conformity?

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC Certificate) is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and involves a thorough assessment procedure.

Step 1: Documentation and application submission

The applicant submits the CoC application form through the BIS portal, along with all necessary documentation and applicable fees.

Step 2: BIS assessment

BIS reviews the application and attached documentation. This is followed by a factory visit to inspect the manufacturer's production infrastructure, manufacturing processes, quality control, and testing capabilities.

Step 3: Issuing of CoC

If compliance is satisfactory, the BIS issues the CoC to the manufacturer. After the certificate is issued, the BIS conducts routine factory surveillance and assessment activities.

After receiving the CoC for a particular product, the manufacturer must adhere to the specific requirements outlined in the CoC and the approved Testing and Inspection Plan.3

What details are included in a certificate of compliance?

A certificate of compliance should contain the following information:
1. Product description
2. Manufacturing details, like location and date
3. Importer’s details
4. A comprehensive list of safety regulations the product has been tested for
5. Date and location of the product test that was conducted in accordance with specified rules.
6. Information about the individual responsible for maintaining the test results, including their name, mailing address, email, and contact number
7. Details of the third-party laboratory whose testing is the basis for the certificate4

Benefits of certificate of conformity

The significance and benefits of obtaining a CoC are as follows:
• Guarantees buyers that products are compliant with relevant laws and regulations, thereby assuring product quality.
• Enhances brand reputation and strengthens customer confidence.
• Facilitates customs clearance by providing documented evidence that the goods have been independently assessed and meet local regulations.
• Reduces unexpected financial losses associated with non-compliant goods, such as legal action, customer returns, and product recalls.
• Enables businesses to implement customized quality management practices.5

In conclusion, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a valuable document that assures adherence to quality standards, enhances product trust, and helps manufacturers meet the needs of both consumers and regulatory authorities.

It should be noted that a CoC might be required for import-export procedures in certain countries for specific categories of products. Without a CoC, a product may be impounded or confiscated by customs authorities. This holds true for e-commerce exports as well. Exporters must thoroughly check the specific documentation requirements for their product to avoid any complications. For more support on export documentation and compliance, exporters can leverage services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

Amazon Global Selling: Your passport to easy e-commerce exports

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). With FBA, you can store your products in Amazon global fulfillment centers while we (Amazon) pick, pack, ship your customer orders and provide customer service. If you are opting for FBA, you can send your shipment to global fulfillment centers easily through Amazon Global Selling SEND in a cost-effective manner. On the other hand, MFN helps list and sell your products on Amazon global marketplaces and ship directly to customers using your own logistics service or Buy Shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for obtaining a certificate of conformity?
In order to obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), applicants must fill out an application form on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) portal and submit it, along with necessary documents and fees. The BIS will then conduct an audit of the manufacturer’s production infrastructure, manufacturing processes, etc., and issue a CoC after ensuring satisfactory compliance.6
What is the purpose of a certificate of conformity?
Yes, medicines can be couriered from India to Singapore, but it requires careful adherence to regulatory requirements. Necessary documentation includes a valid prescription, a medical certificate, and sometimes approval from health authorities in both India and Singapore. Couriers also require specific packaging and labeling to ensure safety and compliance. Check the latest guidelines from health ministries or customs authorities of both countries to avoid any legal issues or shipment rejections.
What are the consequences of not having a certificate of conformity?
The absence of a CoC may lead to a decline in revenue, a halt in operations, and a drop in company reputation. For exporters, goods without a CoC may be impounded or confiscated by customs authorities in certain countries.7
Published on February 28, 2024.

Sources:
1. https://qualityinspection.org/what-is-certificate-of-conformity-coc/
2. https://alephindia.in/bis-certificate-of-conformity.php#:~:text=CoC%20is%20awarded%20by%20BIS,visit%20to%20its%20manufacturing%20facilities
3. https://alephindia.in/bis-certificate-of-conformity.php#:~:text=CoC%20is%20awarded%20by%20BIS,visit%20to%20its%20manufacturing%20facilities
4. https://www.quickcompany.in/articles/what-is-a-certificate-of-compliance
5. https://frenchquartermag.com/the-significance-of-a-certificate-of-conformity-5-key-reasons/
6. https://alephindia.in/bis-certificate-of-conformity.php#:~:text=CoC%20is%20awarded%20by%20BIS,visit%20to%20its%20manufacturing%20facilities
7. tcert.com/penalties-for-not-having-certificates-of-conformity/#:~:text=The%20lack%20of%20a%20certificate%20leads%20to%20the%20most%20serious,increased%20hazard%20class%20are%20sold

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.