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Certificate of Conformity for Shipping Goods from the USA Overseas

When planning international shipping from the USA, it's essential to understand that certain countries, particularly those in Africa and the Middle East, require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) as part of their import regulations. This certificate, also known as a Certificate of Compliance, is a mandatory document for customs clearance in many regions.

The CoC ensures that the goods you're shipping meet the safety, health, and environmental standards of the destination country. These regulations are in place to protect consumers from counterfeit or substandard products and to maintain quality control in local markets.

What Happens Without a Certificate of Conformity?

If your shipment arrives at a destination country that mandates a CoC and you don’t have one, the consequences can be severe:

Customs may refuse to release your cargo
You could face fines, penalties, or delays
In some cases, the goods may be returned to the U.S. at your expense, or even destroyed

Who Is Responsible for Getting the CoC?

The responsibility lies entirely with the shipper. Neither the ocean freight carrier nor the international shipping company managing the transportation will assist the recipient (consignee) in obtaining this document after the cargo has been shipped. That means it’s crucial to handle the CoC before finalizing your booking or loading your shipment.

When to Secure the CoC

Always have the original Certificate of Conformity ready before your shipment leaves the United States. Once the goods are en route, it’s often too late to apply for or process this documentation. Since international shipping costs can increase significantly due to non-compliance issues, it’s best to plan ahead.

How Do You Know If a CoC Is Required?

Not all countries require a Certificate of Conformity. However, for those who do, the requirements can vary significantly. To be sure:

Contact the consulate or embassy of the destination country in the United States.
Review official trade or import regulations for the destination
Speak with your buyer or recipient in the destination country
You can also use global compliance firms such as Intertek, SGS, or Bureau Veritas, which specialize in pre-shipment inspections and issuing CoCs

Additional Tips for Compliance

If you’re using affordable international shipping options like LCL (Less Than Container Load), ensure that your compliance paperwork matches the volume and description of your shipment.

Include the CoC document with your shipping paperwork, such as the commercial invoice and bill of lading, to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
Be aware that shipping from the USA without the required certificates could result in additional international shipping costs later due to re-routing or customs fines.

By making sure your goods comply with local regulations before they leave the U.S., you help guarantee a smooth delivery process. A valid Certificate of Conformity isn’t just a formality—it’s your key to successful, stress-free global trade with many countries.

You may also consider having a third party assist you in obtaining the document. Intertek, for example.