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

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

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

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

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.