Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of conformity (COC)?
It is the manufacturer’s document confirming that a vehicle conforms to a type approved in the European Union. It is mandatory to register an imported vehicle.
What is the difference between COC and eCOC?
The COC is the manufacturer’s certificate, handed to the vehicle owner. The eCOC is its structured-data version (an eIDAS-sealed XML file) that the manufacturer sends to the type-approval authorities, since 5 July 2026, for newly manufactured vehicles from that date. It is not a document a private owner orders or receives: if you are importing a used vehicle or replacing a lost certificate, the classic COC is what you need. We deliver it as a digital copy by email, and on paper if you prefer.
How much does a certificate of conformity cost?
The price depends on the brand. At Homologa, it ranges from around 159 € to 349 €. The price is the same for paper and digital.
How long will it take to receive it?
From a few working days to a few weeks depending on the manufacturer. The turnaround is stated before you pay.
Is the certificate of conformity still required in 2026?
Yes. The certificate of conformity (COC) is still required to register a vehicle imported from another EU Member State. What changed on 5 July 2026 concerns new vehicles: their conformity data is now sent to the approval authorities in eCOC format.
What exactly is the eCOC?
It is the structured-data version of the certificate of conformity: an XML file in the IVI format, electronically sealed (eIDAS), that the manufacturer makes available to the approval authorities. It is not a document a private owner orders or receives.
Can I order an eCOC for my car?
No, and nobody can. Three reasons stack up: the eCOC does not exist for vehicles produced before 5 July 2026; Article 36 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 provides that the duplicate owed to the owner is supplied in paper format; and Article 37 reserves access to the electronic channel for authorities. If your vehicle is used, the ordinary COC is what you need.
Until when is paper accepted?
Paper formats and printouts of the eCOC remain accepted until 29 November 2026 at the latest, the end of the transition period.
Is my used vehicle affected by the eCOC?
No. The text is not retroactive: it covers only new vehicles produced from 5 July 2026, in categories M, N and O. For a used vehicle, the process is unchanged.
How long does a COC take?
It depends entirely on the manufacturer: from a few working days at the quickest brands to several weeks at those that go through a national importer. The detail brand by brand is in our turnaround guide.
Will the eCOC remove the need for an intermediary?
Not for the used market, which is our business. Electronic transmission covers new vehicles and runs from the manufacturer to the authorities: it touches neither used imports, nor lost certificates, nor vehicles originating outside the Union.
How do I spot a certificate of conformity scam?
Be wary of any site offering you an “eCOC” for a used vehicle: the object does not exist in that case. Be wary too of sites imitating an official service, unusually low prices, missing legal notices and promises of an “immediate” document. A genuine certificate is issued by the manufacturer: nobody can lawfully produce one.
Is the COC mandatory to register an imported vehicle?
Yes. For a vehicle imported from another EU country, the certificate of conformity is required to obtain the registration certificate.
Can I get a duplicate if I have lost my COC?
Yes. We obtain an official duplicate of the certificate from the manufacturer. Mind the 10-year rule: under Article 36 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, the manufacturer is only obliged to issue a duplicate for 10 years after the vehicle’s date of manufacture, and only keeps copies for that same period. Beyond that, it remains possible but is at the manufacturer’s discretion — we check availability before charging you anything.
Is the COC valid throughout Europe?
Yes, the European certificate of conformity is recognised in every European Union member state.
Does Homologa carry out vehicle homologation (individual approval)?
No. Homologa obtains from the manufacturer the certificate of conformity (COC) of a vehicle that is already type-approved in Europe, and supports the registration of an imported vehicle. Technical homologation of a vehicle without a COC (individual approval by the national authority) is a different procedure, which we do not perform: in that case we tell you which steps to take.
Does the price differ between paper COC and eCOC?
No, the price is the same whatever the format.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The stated price is the final price, confirmed before any payment.
Why are some brands more expensive?
Some manufacturers charge for access to their type-approval data, which is reflected in the price.
Which documents do I need to provide?
The registration certificate from the country of origin and the chassis number (VIN). The brand, model and date of first registration make processing easier.
Do I have to pay immediately?
No. You first receive confirmation of the exact price and turnaround.
Your question is not here, or your registration file is stuck? Describe your situation on the registration support page — we review your documents and tell you where the problem lies.