What is Iraq's COC/COI certification?

Recently, Iraq has expanded its control over imported products from over 700 items across 12 categories to more than 800 items. Products listed in the controlled catalog require a COC (Certificate of Conformity) or COI (Certificate of Inspection) to clear customs at the destination port. Exporting companies need to confirm whether their goods fall within the controlled range to avoid the risk of being detained.

Iraq's COC (Certificate of Conformity) is a critical component of the Import Inspection, Testing, and Certification Program (ICIGI) implemented by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) of Iraq. Here are detailed insights into Iraq's COC:

Background and Purpose:

Iraq's COC certification is established under Chapter 3, Article 8 of Law No. 54, aimed at restricting substandard, counterfeit, and fake products from entering Iraq, thereby protecting domestic consumers, producers, the environment, and public safety. All products within the scope of Iraq's Import Inspection, Testing, and Certification Program (ICIGI) must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Release Note upon import into Iraq.

Certification Process:

Iraq's COC certification is mandatory and applied for by exporters, required for customs clearance at the destination port. All products listed in the controlled catalog must obtain a COC certificate, which serves as a one-time customs clearance document.

Application Process:

Prepare Documentation:

  - Packing list

  - Commercial invoice

  - Product test reports (existing reports may suffice; onsite sampling may be required for certain products)

  - Completed CoC application form (provided by handling agency)

  - Copy of the Letter of Credit (L/C) if payment is through L/C

Submission and Review:

  - Submit the required documents for review. Upon approval, inspection will be scheduled.

- Inspection:

  - After successful inspection, the CoC certificate will be issued.

Certification Fees:

Fees for Iraq's COC certification and inspection vary based on the FOB value of the goods:

  - Below $80,000 FOB value: $320 for inspection

  - Between $80,000 and $200,000 FOB value: $320 + 0.4% of FOB amount above $80,000

  - Between $200,000 and $1,000,000 FOB value: $800 + 0.3% of FOB amount above $200,000

Considerations:

Upon arrival in the destination port in Iraq, additional checks will be conducted, including verification of the CoC certificate's authenticity, consistency between the goods received and submitted documents, and examination of the condition of the goods.

Iraq's COC certificates are issued bilingually in English and Arabic for presentation to importers for customs clearance at the destination port.

For certain products like refrigerators and air conditioners, Iraq does not mandate energy efficiency labeling but requires Arabic language manuals.

Special Regional Certifications:

Iraq's COC certification is differentiated into two regions: Kurdistan Region of Iraq (northern ports) and Southern Iraq. While operational procedures are similar, there may be differences in controlled ranges and fees.

New Regulations:

In recent years, Iraq has implemented new regulations for imported goods, such as requiring specific itemized declarations and corresponding import qualifications for each listed item. Exporters need to closely monitor and comply with these regulations to avoid disruptions.

Difference between Iraq's COC and COI Certifications:

Iraq's COC (Certificate of Conformity) is required for products listed in the controlled catalog, while COI (Certificate of Inspection) is required for products not listed in the controlled catalog. These certifications differ in process and fees, and specific details such as HS codes, product images, and intended use are necessary for determination.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of Iraq's COC certification and its operational requirements for exporting goods into Iraq.