Pre-Shipment
CoC Before Dispatch
ICIGI CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
Iraq VoC Certificate
Global Market Access Federal Iraq
ICIGI / Iraq VoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
Regulated products exported to Federal Iraq generally require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before shipment. Under Iraq’s Verification of Conformity (VoC) programme, product documents and test evidence are reviewed, testing is completed where required, and the goods undergo pre-shipment inspection before the CoC is issued.
2 Routes
Consignment or Registration
COSQC
Iraq Conformity Authority
Quick Summary
At a Glance
The ICIGI Certificate of Conformity, Briefly
The Iraq Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for regulated products covered by Federal Iraq’s Verification of Conformity (VoC) programme. Certification is completed in the country of export through document review, testing where needed, and pre-shipment inspection. The CoC is issued before dispatch and verified with the shipment when the goods reach Iraq.
On this page, you’ll understand:
- Which products require an Iraq CoC
- Route A vs Route B
- What testing and inspection involve
- Which documents are required
- What happens when the shipment reaches Iraq
- When IQB COI applies instead
Overview
What Is the ICIGI / Iraq VoC Certificate of Conformity?
The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) oversees Iraqi standards and imported-product conformity requirements.
The Federal Iraq conformity programme is commonly referred to as the Iraq VoC, CAP, or ICIGI programme. Current programme material describes it as the Pre-Inspection, Testing, and Issuing Certificates of Conformity Programme for Goods Imported into Iraq.
The route for regulated products
- Product classification
- Applicable Iraqi technical requirement
- Document and test-report review
- Testing where required
- Pre-shipment inspection
- Certificate of Conformity issued
- Arrival-stage verification and release
Who Needs It
Who Needs an Iraq CoC?
The Iraq CoC process is relevant to the following:
- Foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to Federal Iraq
- Exporters and trading companies supplying Iraqi customers
- Iraqi importers and distributors
- Manufacturers introducing new models or products into Iraq
- Companies making regular shipments of the same regulated product
Before shipment
Certification activities are carried out before shipment in the country of supply/export. The exporter or importer may initiate the request, but manufacturer, exporter, importer, product, and shipping information must remain consistent throughout the process.
Regulated Products
Which Products Require an Iraq CoC?
The Federal Iraq VoC programme covers a wide range of regulated imports. Current programme information includes sectors such as:
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Industry / Product Category | Examples | Typical Compliance Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverages | Packaged food, oils, and dairy products | Iraqi standards, labeling, health documents |
| Construction Materials | Cement, steel, glass, ceramics | Product-specific standards and testing |
| Electrical & Electronic Products | Appliances, electrical equipment | Safety, performance, labeling, electrical requirements |
| Vehicle Parts & Tires | Spare parts, tires | Automotive and safety requirements |
| Chemicals | Detergents, industrial and consumer chemicals | Specifications, SDS, analysis, and testing |
| Lubricants | Automotive and industrial oils | Product specifications and testing |
| Cosmetics & Perfumery | Cosmetics, personal care, fragrances | Composition, safety, labeling, and relevant standards |
| Toys & Baby Care | Toys and children’s products | Product and child-safety requirements |
| Textiles | Clothing, fabrics, and related products | Product composition and labeling |
| Kitchenware & Household Goods | Articles used with or around food | Material and product requirements |
| Stationery | Regulated stationery products | Applicable Iraqi product standards |
| Tobacco Products | Regulated tobacco goods | Product-specific requirements |
Another possible route
What If the Product Is Not on the VoC List?
Do not assume that pre-shipment requirements do not apply. Products outside the VoC programme can instead fall under Iraq’s separate IQB Scheme, which issues a Certificate of Inspection (COI) for applicable shipments. IQB also contains product-specific exemptions and other authority controls, so applicability must be checked rather than assumed.
See: Iraq IQB Certificate of Inspection (COI)
Certification Routes
Route A vs Route B — Which Iraq CoC Route Fits You?
Federal Iraq’s VoC programme uses two main conformity routes:
Scroll sideways to compare both routes.
| Comparison Point | Route A — Unregistered / Consignment | Route B — Product Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Occasional or first-time exports | Regular shipments of the same product |
| Standing Registration | No | Yes |
| Initial Conformity Evidence | Required for the shipment | Required for product registration |
| Testing | As required for the shipment | Initial testing and random testing later |
| Inspection | Physical shipment inspection | Selective inspection on later shipments |
| CoC | Issued for each shipment | Issued for each shipment |
| Registration Validity | Not applicable | Current programme guidance: 1 year |
Occasional exports
Route A
Each consignment is assessed individually. Existing test reports are reviewed, testing may be requested, and the shipment undergoes physical inspection before the CoC is issued.
This is generally the simpler route for occasional or first-time exports.
Repeat exports
Route B
First, the product undergoes a registration assessment. Once a Statement of Registration (SoR) is granted, current Iraq programme guidance allows it to support multiple shipments for one year. Later consignments can use selective inspection and random testing instead of repeating the complete initial product assessment.
Process
Iraq VoC Certificate of Conformity Process
-
Confirm Applicability & Point of Entry
Determine whether the product is within the Federal Iraq VoC scope and confirm that the shipment is not following the separate Kurdistan route.
-
Select Route A or Route B
Choose between consignment certification and product registration based on shipment frequency and product consistency.
-
Submit the Request for Certification
Prepare the Request for Certification with exporter, importer, product, commercial, and shipment information.
-
Review Technical Evidence
Review existing test reports, product specifications, certificates, and other evidence against the applicable Iraqi technical requirement.
-
Testing Where Appropriate
If current documentation is insufficient or unsuitable, representative product samples may need laboratory testing by an appropriately accredited laboratory.
-
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Inspect the consignment in the exporting country. Checks generally cover product identity and model, packaging and labeling, instructions, markings, quantity, and consistency with the submitted documents.
-
Before dispatch
Certificate of Conformity Issued
When the document review, testing where required, and inspection are completed satisfactorily, the Certificate of Conformity is issued before shipment.
-
At Iraq entry
Arrival Verification & Release
When the goods reach Iraq, they can undergo entry-point verification. The certificate, documents, and goods are checked before the applicable release document is issued.
Regulatory Framework
Documentation
Documents Required for an Iraq CoC
The exact file varies by product, but exporters should generally prepare documentation across three areas.
Application & Shipment Documents
- Request for Certification (RfC)
- Proforma or commercial invoice
- Packing / shipment details
- Exporter and Iraqi importer details
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of Lading, Air Waybill, or CMR where available
- Letter of Credit where applicable
Product & Conformity Documents
- Product description and technical datasheet
- Brand, model, type, or product identification
- Manufacturer information
- Production / lot details where relevant
- Production and expiry dates for applicable products
- Existing laboratory test reports
- Other certificates or conformity evidence against the applicable Iraqi requirement
Product-Specific Documents
Depending on the product category, additional evidence may include:
- Halal documentation for applicable meat products
- Health certificates
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Free-sale certificates
- Safety Data Sheets
- Ingredient or composition information
- Other sector-specific regulatory documents
Timeline & Validity
How Long Does an Iraq CoC Take?
There is no single timeline for every shipment. Timing depends on:
- Whether acceptable test reports already exist
- Whether new laboratory testing is needed
- Product complexity
- Number of products in the consignment
- Inspection scheduling
- Document completeness
The earlier the technical evidence is reviewed, the easier it is to schedule inspection without delaying shipment.
Certificate and registration
CoC Validity
The Certificate of Conformity is consignment-specific. It supports the shipment for which it was issued.
For Route B, the Statement of Registration carries forward. Current programme guidance describes Route B registration as valid for one year, allowing multiple shipments to benefit from the registered-product route.
After arrival
What Happens at the Iraqi Border?
A valid CoC does not mean the shipment passes without further checks. Certified consignments can undergo destination inspection or verification, including checks of the certificate, shipping documents, and actual goods before release.
Cost
What Determines Iraq’s CoC Cost?
The cost depends on the product and shipment rather than one fixed amount. Typical cost drivers include:
- Route A or Route B
- Number of products and models
- Existing test-report availability
- New laboratory testing
- Pre-shipment inspection
- Shipment size and complexity
- Document readiness
- Frequency of future exports
Repeat shipments
Consider Route B
For repeat shipments, Route B may reduce repeated conformity work once product registration is in place.
Full shipping plan
Compare the Total Workload
Rather than choosing a route only on the first-shipment cost, manufacturers should compare the expected conformity workload across their actual shipping plan.
Common Mistakes
Common Iraq CoC Mistakes
-
Shipping before the CoC is issued
Regulated goods should complete the required pre-shipment process before dispatch.
-
Thinking arrival inspection can replace certification
Destination verification checks an existing CoC; it is not an alternative way to obtain one.
-
Choosing Route A for every repeat shipment
Regular exporters should assess whether Route B registration can reduce repeated assessment.
-
Using the wrong or outdated Iraqi standard
Product evidence must match the current technical requirement.
-
Test reports do not cover the exact model
A report for another model, variant, or configuration may not demonstrate conformity.
-
Laboratory evidence is unsuitable
The report must be relevant to the required standard and acceptable for the conformity assessment.
-
Product and shipping documents do not match
Invoice, packing details, product identification, model, origin, and CoC information should remain consistent.
-
Missing product-specific evidence
Food, chemicals, cosmetics, and other sectors may require additional Halal, health, safety, composition, or other documentation.
-
Assuming non-VoC means no requirement
Applicable products outside VoC may instead require an IQB Certificate of Inspection (COI).
-
Treating Kurdistan as the same conformity route
Kurdistan operates a separate programme. Markek’s current Iraq CoC service covers the Federal Iraq route.
Markek Support
How Markek Supports Your Iraq CoC?
Applicability, Standard & Route Selection
We review the product, HS code, destination, and shipment pattern to confirm whether it falls within the Iraq VoC scope, identify the relevant technical requirement, and determine whether Route A or Route B fits the export plan.
Technical Evidence, Testing & Inspection
We assess existing test reports, identify evidence gaps, coordinate accredited laboratory testing where required, prepare the certification file, and coordinate pre-shipment inspection.
CoC & Shipment Coordination
We coordinate the certification process with the applicable COSQC-authorized conformity assessment body and help align product, invoice, packing, test, and shipment information before dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the ICIGI / Iraq VoC Certificate of Conformity?
It is the Certificate of Conformity required for regulated products covered by the Federal Iraq’s VoC program. The process can involve technical-document review, testing, and pre-shipment inspection before the CoC is issued.
Is ICIGI the Same as Iraq VoC?
They are terms used around the same Federal Iraq pre-shipment conformity framework. Current program material commonly refers to the Verification of Conformity (VoC) or the Pre-Inspection, Testing, and Issuing Certificates of Conformity Programme.
Who Is COSQC?
COSQC is Iraq’s Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control. It oversees Iraqi standards, quality control, conformity activities, and the pre-shipment inspection/testing framework implemented through authorized companies.
Which Products Require an Iraq CoC?
The VoC scope covers many regulated sectors, including food, electrical/electronic goods, construction materials, vehicle parts and tires, chemicals, cosmetics, toys, textiles, kitchenware, tobacco, lubricants, and other controlled products.
What Is Route A?
Route A is the unregistered/consignment route for occasional exporters. Each shipment is assessed using test evidence or testing and undergoes pre-shipment inspection before its CoC is issued.
What Is Route B?
Route B is Product Registration for frequent exporters. The product undergoes an initial registration assessment, after which a valid Statement of Registration can support multiple shipments for one year using selective inspection and random testing.
Does Route B Replace the Shipment CoC?
No. A CoC is still issued for every regulated consignment. Route B reduces the repeated product-assessment burden behind those later shipment certificates.
Must the CoC Be Issued Before Shipment?
Yes. Regulated products must complete the required pre-shipment conformity process and obtain the CoC before dispatch. Goods arriving without a required VoC CoC can face rejection.
What Happens When the Shipment Reaches Iraq?
Certified shipments can undergo destination-stage inspection or verification. The certificate, documents, and goods can be checked before release. Arrival checks verify an already certified shipment; they do not replace pre-shipment certification.
Can Existing International Test Reports Be Used?
Often, yes, they cover the applicable product and technical requirements and are acceptable to the conformity body. Existing reports should be reviewed before new testing is commissioned.
What If My Product Is Not Covered by the VoC Program?
Products outside the VoC scope may instead fall under Iraq’s separate IQB Certificate of Inspection scheme, subject to the IQB scope and exemptions.
Does the Iraqi Quality Mark Replace the CoC?
No. The Iraqi Quality Mark was made optional from March 2026, while the VoC Certificate of Conformity is an additional requirement for regulated imported consignments.
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