eCOC - European Certificate of Conformity

Key document for importing and registering vehicles in Switzerland

What is the Certificate of Conformity (COC/eCOC)?

COC Definition

The COC (Certificate of Conformity) is an official document issued by the vehicle manufacturer. It certifies that the vehicle complies with the European type approval (EU type approval) and can be driven in all EU and EFTA countries (including Switzerland).

The eCOC (electronic Certificate of Conformity) is the electronic version of this document, in digitally signed XML format. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/133 defined the eCOC framework, and it will become mandatory on 5 July 2026 throughout the EU.

Legal basis

The COC is governed by Regulation (EU) 2018/858 (in force since 1 September 2020), which harmonises vehicle type-approval procedures across the European Union. This regulation replaced Directive 2007/46/EC.

The electronic format (eCOC) is detailed in Implementing Regulations (EU) 2021/133 and 2024/1061.

Switzerland, through bilateral agreements, recognises European type approvals, which simplifies vehicle imports from the EU.

What does the Certificate of Conformity contain?

Vehicle identification

VIN (chassis) number, make, model, variant, version

EU type-approval number

Format e1*2018/858*XXXXX (corresponds to field 24 of the Swiss registration certificate)

Technical data

Mass, dimensions, wheelbase, number of seats

Engine

Power kW/HP, displacement, fuel type

Emissions and consumption

CO2 (g/km), Euro standard, WLTP consumption (l/100km)

Approved tyres

Rim and tyre dimensions approved by the manufacturer

The EU type-approval number listed in the COC corresponds to field 24 of the Swiss registration certificate. You can search for this number on SwissCarInfo to obtain complete technical data.

The COC for vehicle registration in Switzerland

Important: To register a vehicle imported from the EU in Switzerland, you must present either the original COC (paper or eCOC), or prove that the vehicle has a valid Swiss type approval (FEDRO type approval sheet). Since 1 January 2026, Swiss road traffic offices can directly access European eCOC databases.
With COC / Swiss type approval
Simplified procedure
  1. Customs clearance at Swiss customs (BAZG)
  2. Quick inspection (MFK) - simplified check
  3. Registration at the road traffic office
  4. Number plates and registration certificate issued

With an eCOC, the registration of new vehicles can be done purely administratively, without a physical inspection.

Without COC / Without type approval
Complex procedure
  1. Request a COC duplicate from the manufacturer (paid, 100-300 CHF)
  2. Or individual vehicle inspection (IVI) - costly and time-consuming
  3. Possible modifications for Swiss compliance
  4. In-depth technical inspection at the road traffic office

Without a COC or type approval, the process can take several weeks and cost significantly more.

How to obtain a Certificate of Conformity?

New vehicle

For a new vehicle purchased in the EU, the COC must be provided by the dealer with the vehicle (Article 36 of Regulation 2018/858). It is free and included in the sale.

  • Always request the COC at delivery
  • Verify that the VIN matches the vehicle
  • Keep the original (no photocopies)
  • Request the COC before purchase if import is planned

Used vehicle

For an imported used vehicle, if the COC is not available:

  • Ask the seller - may have the original COC
  • Order a duplicate - through the official brand representative or manufacturer
  • Online intermediary services - EUROCOC, Euro Conformity, etc. (check reliability)

Indicative cost of a COC duplicate (via intermediary services)

Brand Indicative price (CHF)
Audi / Volkswagen130 - 150 CHF
Toyota / Lexus150 - 170 CHF
BMW / Mini190 - 200 CHF
Mercedes-Benz120 - 250 CHF
Renault / Dacia~250 CHF
Peugeot / Citroën~290 CHF

Indicative prices via specialised intermediary services. Prices vary depending on the provider and model. A new COC is always free and provided at purchase.

Alternative: Check Swiss type approval on SwissCarInfo

Before ordering an expensive COC, check whether your vehicle already has a Swiss type approval! If so, the COC is not needed.

  • Search by type approval, VIN or EU type-approval number
  • More than 732'443 vehicles in our database
  • Official FEDRO data updated daily
Search now

eCOC 2026: the digital transition

The European Union is mandating the switch to the electronic Certificate of Conformity. Here are the key dates.

Sept. 2020

Entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, which provides for the transition to electronic format.

Feb. 2021

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/133: definition of the XML format and digital signature for the eCOC.

Jan. 2026

Switzerland gains access to European eCOC databases. The SIAC system is fed automatically.

5 July 2026

eCOC becomes mandatory in the EU. The paper COC will no longer be required for new vehicles.

EUCARIS System: eCOCs are exchanged between manufacturers and authorities via the European EUCARIS (European Car and Driving Licence Information System) system. Switzerland, as a member of the EReg organisation, benefits from this data exchange. eCOC information automatically feeds into the SIAC (Information System for Admission to Circulation), which in many cases allows purely administrative registration without a physical vehicle inspection.

eCOC vs paper COC: what are the differences?

Criterion Paper COC eCOC (electronic)
Format Printed A4 document Digitally signed XML file
Authenticity Watermark, stamp, handwritten signature Qualified electronic signature (eIDAS)
Validity in Switzerland Accepted Accepted (since 2022)
Transmission Physical (mail, hand delivery) Electronic via EUCARIS
Durability Risk of loss / deterioration Always retrievable from the database
Duplicate cost 100-300 CHF (depending on manufacturer) No duplicate needed (data in database)
After 5 July 2026 No longer issued for new vehicles Only official format

Some manufacturers are already issuing eCOCs on a voluntary basis. Since 2022, some vehicles registered in Switzerland already have an electronic data sheet based on the eCOC. The manufacturer is still required to provide a paper duplicate on request for 10 years after the date of manufacture.

Frequently asked questions about the Certificate of Conformity

Not always. If the vehicle already has a Swiss type approval (FEDRO approval), the COC is not required. The COC is mainly needed for imported vehicles that do not yet have Swiss type approval. Check SwissCarInfo first to see if your vehicle is already approved in Switzerland.

The first COC is always free and provided at the purchase of a new vehicle. For a duplicate (used vehicle), the price varies by manufacturer, generally between 100 and 300 CHF through intermediary services. You can order it through:
  • The official brand representative in Switzerland
  • The manufacturer directly (longer lead time)
  • Specialised online services such as EUROCOC, Euro Conformity, etc. (check reliability and reviews)

The COC has no expiry date. It remains valid as long as the vehicle has not been modified from its original state. If significant modifications have been made (engine, chassis, etc.), the COC is no longer valid and a new type approval is required. The manufacturer is required to provide a paper duplicate on request for 10 years after the vehicle's date of manufacture.

No, the COC only applies to vehicles type-approved under European standards (EU type approval). For an American or Japanese vehicle, you will need to go through an individual vehicle inspection (IVI) to register it in Switzerland. This procedure is longer and more costly as the vehicle must be brought into compliance with Swiss/European standards (headlights, km/h speedometer, etc.).

  • COC (Certificate of Conformity): European document issued by the manufacturer for a specific vehicle (identified by its VIN). Proves the conformity of that individual vehicle to the EU type approval.
  • Type approval (Typengenehmigung): Swiss approval registered in the FEDRO database. Applies to a vehicle model (all identical vehicles share the same type approval number).

Yes, you can print the contents of an eCOC for your records. However, authentication is done via the qualified electronic signature (eIDAS standard) contained in the original XML file. Swiss road traffic offices can verify the authenticity of the eCOC directly through the European EUCARIS exchange system.

The eCOC becomes mandatory on 5 July 2026 for all new vehicles in categories M (cars), N (commercial vehicles) and O (trailers) in the EU. From that date, manufacturers will no longer be required to provide a paper COC at delivery. However, a paper duplicate can still be requested for 10 years after manufacture. In Switzerland, road traffic offices have been accessing eCOC data via EUCARIS since 1 January 2026.

The eCOC significantly simplifies registration in Switzerland. Vehicle data is automatically transmitted to the SIAC (Information System for Admission to Circulation). For many new vehicles, particularly passenger cars, registration can be done purely administratively, without a physical inspection at the road traffic office. This reduces delays and costs for all parties: manufacturers, importers, garages, and owners.

Related pages

Import guide

All the steps to import a vehicle into Switzerland
Type approval

Understanding type approval and field 24
Euro standards

Check the Euro standard of your vehicle
Glossary

Automotive technical terms explained

Check your vehicle's type approval

Before ordering a COC, check for free whether your vehicle already has a Swiss type approval on SwissCarInfo.

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