Guide · 4 min read
Certificate of conformity (COC): what it is for and how to obtain it
The certificate of conformity (COC) certifies that the vehicle meets European standards. Without it, or an equivalent, there is no French registration.
What the COC is for
The COC (Certificate of Conformity) proves that the vehicle conforms to the type approved in Europe. The ANTS (the French national agency that issues vehicle registrations online) requires it to register an imported vehicle.
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You request it from the manufacturer, or its French representative, quoting the chassis number (VIN). The cost varies by brand; the lead time runs from a few days to a few weeks.
If the manufacturer cannot supply it, an identification certificate from the DREAL (the French regional authority for environment and transport), known as an RTI, unlocks registration. That route is slower and more expensive.
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Last updated: 3 June 2026. Informational content, not tax advice.