Pre-Shipment
Compliance Before Export
Product Certification for Iraq Market
Talk to our ExpertGlobal Market Access Iraq
Iraq Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and Product Compliance
Iraq uses different pre-shipment documents depending on the product. Goods covered by the Federal Iraq Verification of Conformity (VoC) programme generally require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before export. Goods outside that scope may instead need a Certificate of Inspection (COI) when inspection is requested. Frequent exporters can use Route B product registration to streamline repeat VoC shipments; each shipment still requires its own CoC.
CoC vs COI
Based on Product Scope
Route B
For Repeat VoC Shipments
At a Glance
Iraq Product Compliance, Briefly
Federal Iraq applies pre-shipment controls according to product scope. Products regulated under the Iraq Verification of Conformity (VoC) programme require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for each shipment. Goods outside VoC may instead be covered by the IQB inspection scheme and require a Certificate of Inspection (COI), depending on the current scope, exemptions, and shipment terms. Frequent exporters of VoC-regulated goods can use Route B product registration to simplify later assessments, but must still obtain a CoC for each shipment.
How it works
How Does Product Compliance Work in Iraq?
The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) and other relevant Iraqi authorities oversee product standards and conformity. For exports to Federal/Central Iraq, three routes are especially relevant:
Regulated VoC Products Certificate of Conformity
Products covered by the Iraq Verification of Conformity (VoC) programme undergo document review, testing where required, and pre-shipment inspection before a CoC is issued. COSQC appoints certification bodies to operate the programme.
Products Outside VoC Scope IQB Certificate of Inspection
Goods outside the VoC programme may instead fall under the IQB inspection scheme, which can involve pre-shipment inspection and a Certificate of Inspection (COI). Some products are exempt from IQB and remain subject to controls by COSQC, the Ministry of Health, or other Iraqi authorities.
Repeat VoC Exports Route B Registration
Manufacturers or exporters regularly shipping the same regulated product can register it under Route B. A valid Statement of Registration can support multiple shipments for one year, with selective inspection and random testing of later consignments. A CoC is still issued for each shipment.
Who Needs It
Who Needs an Iraq Certificate of Conformity?
For products regulated under Federal Iraq’s VoC programme, these parties typically coordinate the CoC process:
- Foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to Iraq
- Exporters and trading companies supplying Iraqi customers
- Iraqi importers and distributors
- Manufacturers making repeat shipments of the same regulated products
- Companies introducing new regulated products or models into Iraq
By Industry
Which Products Require Iraq Conformity Assessment?
Iraq’s conformity programme covers a broad range of regulated imports. Current programme information identifies sectors including the following:
| Industry / Product Group | Typical Compliance Focus |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverages | Iraqi standards, labeling, and health and food documentation |
| Construction Materials | Product-specific Iraqi standards and testing |
| Electrical & Electronics | Safety, performance, electrical requirements, and labeling |
| Vehicle Parts & Tires | Applicable automotive and safety requirements |
| Chemicals | Technical specifications, analysis, and safety documents |
| Lubricants | Product specifications and applicable testing |
| Cosmetics & Perfumery | Composition, labeling, and applicable Iraqi standards |
| Toys & Baby Care Items | Product safety requirements |
| Textiles & Apparel | Fiber and content information, plus product requirements |
| Kitchenware & Household Goods | Material and product conformity |
| Stationery | Applicable product standards |
| Tobacco Products | Product-specific Iraqi controls |
Complete this classification before planning testing, inspection, or shipment.
Certification Routes
Which Iraq CoC Route Should You Use?
Iraq VoC programme guidance describes two main exporter routes. The right one depends largely on whether this is an occasional consignment or a product you ship regularly.
Occasional or first-time exports
Route A Consignment / Unregistered Product
Each consignment is assessed on its own. The route may involve:
- Document review
- Assessment of existing test evidence
- Additional testing where evidence is insufficient
- Pre-shipment inspection of the goods
- A CoC issued for that consignment
Best suited to: occasional exports, first shipments, or products not shipped regularly.
Regular exports of the same product
Route B Product Registration
The product first undergoes conformity assessment. Once accepted, a Statement of Registration can support multiple shipments for one year.
- Register the assessed product once for the registration period
- Use selective inspection on later consignments
- Allow for random testing when required
- Obtain a CoC for each regulated shipment
Best suited to: manufacturers and exporters making repeat shipments of the same regulated product.
Regular exporter? Review whether a one-year registration could simplify your repeat shipments.
Process
The Iraq Certificate of Conformity Process
For regulated products in Federal Iraq’s VoC programme, the route is established first, then the product and shipment are assessed before export.
-
Route planning
Establish Applicability & Standard
Determine whether the product falls within the regulated VoC scope and identify the applicable Iraqi standard or technical requirement.
-
Route planning
Decide on Route A or Route B
Use the product type and expected shipment frequency to choose consignment assessment or product registration.
-
Before shipment
Submit the Request for Certification
Prepare the application with commercial, product, manufacturer, exporter, and Iraqi importer information.
-
Before shipment
Document Review & Testing
Review existing test reports against the Iraqi requirement. Arrange laboratory testing where current evidence is insufficient.
-
Before shipment
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Inspect the actual goods in the country of supply or export, checking identification, quantity, marking, packaging, and consistency with the submitted documents.
-
Certificate issued
CoC Issuance
When the document review, test evidence, and inspection are satisfactory, the Certificate of Conformity is issued before shipment.
-
On arrival
Iraq Entry-Point Verification
At the Iraqi port or border, the shipment and certificate are verified. Programme guidance describes destination inspection and release-document checks after arrival.
Documentation
Documents Required
The exact documents depend on the product and certification route. Manufacturers and exporters should generally prepare the following for review.
Shipment & Commercial Documents
- Request for Certification form
- Pro forma or commercial invoice
- Packing and shipment details
- Country of Origin certificate
- Bill of Lading, Air Waybill, or CMR, where available
- Letter of Credit, where applicable
- Iraqi importer details
Product & Compliance Documents
- Product description and technical datasheet
- Model, type, or product identification
- Manufacturer information
- Production or lot information
- Production and expiry dates, where applicable
- Existing laboratory test reports
- Other conformity evidence against the applicable Iraqi requirements
Product-Specific Evidence
Depending on the product, additional evidence may include:
- Health certificates
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Free-sale certificates
- Halal documentation for applicable meat or animal-origin products
- Ingredient or composition information
- Safety Data Sheets
- Other regulatory certificates
Current Iraq programme application guidance reflects these document categories. Confirm the final checklist against the product, route, and applicable Iraqi requirements before submission.
Kurdistan Region
What If You Are Shipping to the Kurdistan Region?
The Kurdistan Region operates a separate Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme from the Federal Iraq compliance routes covered on this page.
Kurdistan Region
Kurdistan CBCA
Intertek currently states that it is the sole Certification Body authorised to issue Certificates of Conformity for regulated consignments exported to the Kurdistan Region.
Markek service scope
Federal / Central Iraq
Markek’s current Iraq product-compliance services focus on Federal/Central Iraq and do not include Kurdistan CBCA certification.
2026 Regulatory Update
Is the Iraqi Quality Mark Mandatory?
Older guidance can be misleading. The Iraqi Quality Mark’s status changed in 2026, but the pre-shipment Certificate of Conformity (CoC) requirement for regulated imports remains.
Earlier requirement
Iraq moved toward mandatory Iraqi Quality Mark requirements for certain imported products, particularly electrical products.
Decision No. 121/2026
The decision changed that position. Current programme guidance confirms that the Iraqi Quality Mark is optional, rather than mandatory.
COSQC continues to offer an electronic service for applying for the Iraqi Quality Mark for imported products.
Mandatory Certification Schemes
SABER Certifications (SASO)
Electronics platforms to facilitate the issuance of conformity Certificate for regulated product based on technical regulations.
AUTHORITY:SASO
SFDA Medical Device Approval
Rigorous assessment of medical device safety and performance before market entry in Saudi Arabia.
AUTHORITY:SFDA
CST Type Approval
Technical evaluation of radio and telecommunications equipment to ensure frequency compliance.
AUTHORITY:CST
SFDA Food Registration
Mandatory listing and labeling approval for all imported food items to verify nutritional standards.
AUTHORITY:SFDA
SFDA Cosmetic Notification
Notification via the eCosma system ensuring ingredients comply with Gulf Technical Regulations (GSO).
AUTHORITY:SFDA
Looking for the Best Learning and Development Software? Check out the
Markek’s Compliance Insight
Many exporters assume Saudi certification happens after shipment planning. In reality, product classification and approval must happen before commercial shipment. Early compliance planning significantly reduces cost, testing repetition, and customs delays.
Timeline & Cost
How Long Does Iraq Certification Take?
There is no single Iraq certification timeline or cost. The work changes depending on whether the product follows the VoC CoC route, the IQB COI route, or Route B registration.
VoC products
Timing depends on the technical evidence, any fresh testing, document readiness, and the pre-shipment inspection schedule.
IQB shipments
The process is primarily documentary review and physical inspection, with additional assessment where the scheme requires it.
Regular VoC exporters
Route B adds an upfront product-registration assessment. During the registration period, later shipments can use selective inspection and random testing instead of repeating the full initial assessment.
What affects the VoC timeline?
- Existing test-report availability
- Fresh testing requirements
- Product complexity
- Pre-shipment inspection scheduling
- Document readiness
What determines cost?
- Applicable compliance route
- Number and type of products
- Laboratory testing
- Inspection requirements
- Existing technical evidence
- Shipment frequency and value
Common Mistakes
Common Iraq Product-Compliance Mistakes
Assuming every Iraqi shipment follows the CoC route
Products outside the VoC scope may instead fall under the separate IQB inspection scheme.
Assuming non-VoC means no pre-shipment requirement
Many non-VoC products still require an IQB Certificate of Inspection, while some categories fall under other Iraqi authority controls.
Shipping before the required certificate or inspection is complete
VoC certification and IQB inspection are designed to be completed before export.
Using the wrong or outdated Iraqi requirement
Product standards and imported-product requirements continue to change.
Using Route A repeatedly for the same product
Frequent VoC exporters should assess whether Route B registration is more efficient.
Product, invoice, packing, and certificate information do not match
Shipment documentation must remain consistent throughout the process.
Working from outdated Iraqi Quality Mark guidance
The Quality Mark became optional in 2026; it should not be confused with the separate CoC requirement for regulated imports.
Treating Federal Iraq and Kurdistan as the same conformity programme
Kurdistan operates a separate CBCA route, which is managed by Intertek.
Missing product-specific documents
Food, chemicals, cosmetics, and other categories can require health, Halal, phytosanitary, composition, safety, or other supporting evidence.
Markek Support
How Markek Supports Your Iraq Market Entry
Markek focuses on three Federal Iraq compliance pathways:
Product Classification & Route Mapping
We review the product, HS code, destination, and shipment pattern to determine whether it falls under the VoC CoC route, IQB COI route, or Route B registration.
Testing, Inspection & Certification Coordination
For regulated VoC products: We review existing test evidence, coordinate laboratory testing where needed, prepare the certification file, and coordinate pre-shipment inspection and CoC issuance through the applicable COSQC-authorized certification body.
For applicable non-VoC goods: We coordinate the separate IQB inspection and COI route through an Iraqi-authorized assessment company.
Route B Registration for Repeat Exports
For frequent exporters, we coordinate the product-registration file and Statement of Registration so later VoC shipments can benefit from selective inspection and random testing rather than repeating the full initial assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Main Product-Compliance Routes for Federal Iraq?
The main routes covered by Markek are the VoC Certificate of Conformity for regulated products, the IQB Certificate of Inspection for applicable products outside the VoC scope, and Route B Product Registration for frequent exporters of VoC-regulated products.
What Is the Iraq VoC Certificate of Conformity?
It is the pre-shipment CoC required for regulated goods covered by Iraq’s VoC program. The process can include technical-document review, testing, and physical inspection before shipment.
What Is the Iraq IQB Certificate of Inspection?
The IQB Scheme covers products outside the Iraq VoC program and certain other specified shipments. The applicable products are subject to an inspection and other evaluations prior to issuance of a Certificate of Inspection (COI).
Does Every Product Outside the VoC List Need a COI?
Not automatically. The IQB Scheme includes exemptions, and some products remain subject to controls by COSQC, the Ministry of Health, or other Iraqi authorities at the destination. Product classification should therefore be confirmed before assuming the IQB route.
What Is Route A?
Route A is the standard VoC route for unregistered or occasional exports. The shipment is supported by test evidence/testing and pre-shipment inspection before the CoC is issued.
What Is Route B Product Registration?
Route B allows frequent exporters to register a compliant product before repeat shipments. Current program guidance states that the registration can support multiple shipments for one year, with selective inspection and random testing on later consignments.
Does Route B Replace the Shipment CoC?
No. A CoC is still issued for each regulated shipment. Route B reduces the repeated product-assessment burden behind later CoCs.
Must Iraq Compliance Be Completed Before Shipment?
The Federal Iraq VoC and IQB systems are designed around pre-shipment assessment. Applicable testing, inspection, and certification should therefore be completed before dispatch.
What happens when the VoC shipment arrives in Iraq?
Upon arrival, the shipment will be evaluated at the destination. This includes evaluation of the CoC, documentation, and the product before release. This step is in addition to the pre-shipment CoC procedure.
Is the Iraqi Quality Mark Mandatory in 2026?
No. Current VoC program information records the Iraqi Quality Mark scheme as optional following the 2026 change. This does not remove applicable VoC CoC or IQB requirements.
Does Markek Handle Kurdistan CBCA Certification?
No. Markek’s current Iraq compliance offering focuses on Federal/Central Iraq. Kurdistan operates a separate CBCA program, and Intertek currently states that it is the sole authorized Certification Body for regulated consignments under that program.
How Do I Know Which Iraq Route Applies to My Product?
Begin with the product description, HS Code, destination or point of entry, and shipment frequency. These determine whether the product follows the VoC CoC route or the IQB COI route, whether an exemption applies, and whether Route B registration makes commercial sense.
Find the Correct Iraq Compliance Route.
Share your product details, HS code, destination, and shipping pattern with Markek. We’ll confirm whether the product is regulated, identify the applicable Iraqi requirements, recommend Route A or Route B, and map the testing, inspection, and CoC steps required before shipment. [Check My Iraq Requirement] — We respond within 24–48 hours.
Explore Certifications by Country
Certification & Inspection Programs We Support in Iraq
The certification and marking programs below apply to regulated products placed on the UK market. Select a certification to review its applicability and requirements
Looking for Another Market?
Tell us your target market and our team will guide you through the certification requirements.
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