Certificate of Conformity - Qatar

Applus+ is authorized by Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) to implement the VOC QATAR program for food products imported into Qatar under authorization number FC/24/00014 (dated 03/11/2024). Exporters submit the necessary documentation to Applus+, after reviewing and inspecting the documents, Applus+ issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to facilitate customs clearance for the shipment.

This program ensures the safety and quality of food products entering the Qatari market. Under VOC Qatar, all consignments of regulated products must obtain a CoC verifying compliance with Qatar/GSO standards and technical regulations, including labelling and any product-specific requirements.

Regulated products under this scheme include (as per MOPH/FSD scope and applicable GSO):

• Meat and meat products
• Poultry products
• GMO products
• Prepackaged foods
• Spices
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Seafood
• Processed foods
• Dairy products
• Vegetable oils
• Honey
   

Exempted products (outside the MOPH food VOC scope; other authorities requirements may apply):

• Cosmetics
• Live animals before slaughter
• Medical products and drugs
• Tobacco

Required documents from the Client:

• Final / Proforma invoice; packing list; HS codes
• Conformity documents (test reports, quality certificates, analysis reports, etc.) provided by exporters as per technical requirements; test reports from ISO 17025–accredited laboratories (when applicable); ingredient list with concentrations
• Certificate of Analysis (batch-wise)
• Product labels/artworks
• Hygiene certificate (health certificate where required)
• HALAL Certificate / HALAL Slaughtering
• Certificate from approved bodies (for applicable products)
   

Conformity requirements:

• Applicable standards: Qatar standards (GSO) and relevant technical regulations (MoPH/FSD)
• Compliance management systems (as applicable): ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP/GHP, GAP Certificates or equivalent nationally and internationally recognized standards and certifications
• Health documents (sanitary certificates, where required)
• Test report from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory (product-specific tests where applicable)
• HALAL Slaughtering Certificate and/or HALAL Certificate (from approved bodies)
   

Assessment based on:

• Documentary review (including labels/artwork and batch CoA verification)
• Control testing (if applicable, via ISO 17025–accredited laboratories)
• Physical inspection (with sampling where required)
• Conclusion of the assessment leading to CoC issuance for customs clearance

With this CoC Qatar certification, Applus+ enhances its service offerings, ensuring compliance and smooth operations for clients exporting food products to Qatar, from application to customs clearance.

Contact Karlakatrina.Guba@applus.com for further information or to start your CoC application.