Did you know that a Certificate of Conformity (COC) is required if you want to import a car into Spain?

Many used cars are imported from one country to another to meet local demand for vehicles. In Spain’s case, it is usually due to a substantial price difference for the vehicle, but this is not a simple process, to say the least. Germany, France, Belgium and Italy are the main exporters of used cars in Europe, but many of the vehicles imported into Spain have had their odometers tampered with and have suffered damage in the past. That is why it becomes necessary to obtain a certificate in which the manufacturer confirms that the vehicle meets the applicable standards and regulations: the Certificate of Conformity (COC).

According to last year’s vehicle history reports in Spain, 39.1% of imported cars come from Germany, 19.6% from France, 13.6% from Belgium, 11.4% from Italy and 5% from Romania. However, 3.4% of them had an altered odometer, and 22.8% showed previous damage. Meanwhile, 3.3% of the cars of French origin showed odometer alterations, and a worrying 41.2% showed damage. The situation is most concerning in Belgium, with 8.3% of vehicles showing odometer tampering and 57.6% recording damage.

What is the COC?

The Certificate of Conformity (COC) is an essential document issued by the manufacturer for each vehicle, similar to the chassis number, demonstrating that it complies with all the regulations and requirements of the European Union. This document details technical information that can be checked at any time, including manufacturer data, engine specifications, dimensions, emissions and identification number, among others.

Obtaining it is essential for both importers and authorities in the process of importing vehicles with European type approval into Spain, speeding up customs and registration procedures and ensuring the vehicle’s compliance with current regulations.

Which vehicles can obtain the COC? Only those approved for use in the European Union can have this certificate, which facilitates their import between member states.

How is the COC obtained?

It can be requested directly from the manufacturer or through specialised services such as COC-Online.com, which simplify the process with just the chassis number, offering delivery times and competitive rates. In addition, for businesses, this service offers volume discounts and deliveries throughout the European Economic Area.

The COC not only facilitates importing into Spain but, as we have already mentioned, also into all European Union countries and those associated with the European Economic Area, as well as nations such as Switzerland, Albania or Bosnia and Herzegovina, which require this certificate to guarantee safety and emissions standards. However, vehicles approved for other markets cannot obtain the COC, which complicates their import and registration in EU countries.

Additionally, the COC can also have a positive impact if our vehicle is wrongly classified in terms of Euro emissions. In this case, by presenting the COC to Traffic (DGT), they could more easily and simply grant us the environmental label.