Glossary
CoC (Certificate of Conformity)
A paper document issued for every new EU-type-approved vehicle, certifying that the unit was built to the approved type. Required for re-registration in another EU country.
Standard: EU Regulation 2018/858 Annex VIII
Definition
The Certificate of Conformity is a paper document issued by the manufacturer for every individual vehicle built under an EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval. It certifies that the specific unit (by VIN) was manufactured in conformity with the approved type. The CoC carries detailed technical data — emissions class, mass, axle loads, tyre sizes, sound levels — that registration authorities use when issuing plates. When a used car moves between EU member states, the receiving country's registration office usually requires the CoC; without it, the owner must request a duplicate from the manufacturer (typically EUR 50 to 200) or pass an individual-vehicle inspection. CoCs are issued once and are not re-issued automatically when the car changes hands.
Why it matters when buying a used car
A missing CoC on a cross-border purchase is a hidden cost. Always confirm before buying that the seller has the original CoC, or be ready to pay for and wait several weeks to receive a duplicate.
Often confused with
Type approval
The certification process that authorises a new vehicle type for sale in a given market. EU type approval (WVTA) is recognised across all EU member states.
Homologation
The broader process of certifying a vehicle type for road use in a given market. Type approval is the formal output of homologation.
CoP
The regulator's ongoing audit that verifies every car coming off the line still matches the approved type, not just the test sample.