CVO Certificate: What Does It Mean?
European type approval was first introduced in 1996. Type approval indicates that a vehicle complies with the guidelines established by the EU in areas such as safety and the environment (Euroclass). When a vehicle meets all the criteria, it may be registered and subsequently used on the European road network.
As soon as a vehicle is exported and a license plate is applied for in the destination country, the registration authorities require the submission of a certificate of type approval (also known as a CVO or COC). For many vehicles, this document is not available, and obtaining it can be costly.
What is a CVO statement?
CVO stands for Certificate of Conformity. A CVO certificate is essentially a vehicle’s “birth certificate.” It is the manufacturer’s official document containing all type approval data and technical specifications for the car. It allows you to demonstrate that your car meets all applicable registration requirements. A CVO certificate consists of the following parts:
- The official trade name
- The chassis number
- The car's dimensions
- CO2 emissions
- The European Type Approval Number
- Cylinder and engine displacement
When is a CVO statement required?
You need a CVO certificate when exporting a car with a Dutch license plate. For many registration authorities, a Dutch license plate often does not contain sufficient information. Therefore, additional information may be required. With a CVO, you can demonstrate that the vehicle complies with all regulations. This certificate is accepted in every country during every inspection. So, if you want to export a car, it’s best to apply for a CVO certificate.
Why get a CVO certificate?
The EU has established directives in areas such as the environment and safety. Therefore, every vehicle traveling on the European road network must comply with these directives. With a CVO certificate, you can demonstrate that your vehicle does indeed comply with these directives.
Do you need to apply for a CVO certificate?
WithVWE’s service, you can easily print this document yourself. The document is translated into the most common languages to better meet the requirements of the importing country. To apply for a CVO certificate, you’ll need two documents:
- A copy of both the front and back of the vehicle registration certificate
- A copy of the vehicle owner's identification document.
The cost of a CVO depends on the car model and the country of origin. As a result, the price can easily range from €50 to €300. Do you need the certificate by a certain date? If so, be sure to apply for it in plenty of time.
Do you need CVO vehicle documents?
If you’re planning to export a car, you’ll need a number of documents. These include proof of purchase, the original vehicle registration certificate, and the car’s maintenance history. You’ll also need a CVO certificate. This document proves that the car meets the EU’s requirements regarding environmental and safety standards, among other things. Without a CVO, the car may not always be eligible for registration. You can always err on the side of caution and apply for a CVO in advance. This will often allow you to import your car into the destination country without any problems.
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