Let you know about Kuwait KUCAS certification (TIR/TER COC certificate)

What is Kuwait KUCAS certification?

KUCAS (Kuwait Conformity Assurance Scheme) is a mandatory conformity assessment system implemented by the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) of Kuwait to ensure that imported products comply with Kuwait's national standards and technical regulations to protect consumer safety and national interests.

Background and purpose of KUCAS certification

Kuwait implemented the KUCAS program on June 17, 2006, replacing the previous International Conformity Certification Program (ICCP). The program aims to ensure that imported products meet Kuwait's technical requirements through conformity assessment, protect consumers and the environment, and prevent substandard or counterfeit products from entering the market.

Scope of application of KUCAS certification

KUCAS certification applies to a variety of product categories, including but not limited to:

Electric toys : such as various electronic toys.

Household and commercial electrical and gas appliances : such as household appliances, commercial appliances and gas equipment.

Automobiles and their parts : including all kinds of motor vehicles and their accessories.

Chemicals : such as detergents, cosmetics, etc.

Building materials : such as cement, steel, etc.

Others : such as facial tissue, melamine tableware, vacuum ware, thermos flasks and kettles, etc.

It should be noted that the regulatory authorities of the importing country may adjust the catalogue of regulated products, and enterprises should promptly consult the authorized inspection and certification bodies for the latest regulated product information.

KUCAS certification process

1. Confirm whether the product requires certification

• Regulated products: KUCAS applies to a wide variety of products, including toys, electronics, automobiles, chemicals, building materials, etc.
• Check the control list: It is recommended to contact the Public Authority for Industries (PAI) or an authorized agency to confirm whether your product is within the control scope.

2. Choose the right certification body

• Authorized agency: PAI is responsible for the overall management of KUCAS, but the actual testing and evaluation are carried out by authorized third-party agencies.
• Accredited laboratories: Choose a PAI-accredited laboratory to test your product to ensure the results are officially accepted.

3. Prepare technical documentation

Required documents:

• Test report : Tested according to relevant technical standards (such as IEC, ISO).
• Proforma Invoice and Packing List : Describe the export information of the product.
• Product Instructions : Available in English or Arabic.
• Certification application form : Fill in the product's technical specifications, model and other information in detail.
• Product photos : Show the product's appearance, nameplate and other details.
• Declaration of Conformity (DoC) : Issued by the manufacturer, indicating that the product complies with the relevant regulations of Kuwait.
• Product technical documents : including product specifications, instructions, compliance declarations, quality management system certification (such as ISO 9001), etc.

4. Product testing and technical evaluation

• Sample testing: Send products to accredited laboratories for testing to ensure compliance with technical standards and safety requirements.
• Evaluation process: The certification body reviews the test report and technical documents to confirm whether the product complies with Kuwait regulations.

5. Obtaining the Technical Evaluation Report (TER)

• TER definition: Technical Evaluation Report (TER) is a document that proves that a product meets technical standards.
• Validity period: The validity period of TER is usually based on the validity period of the test report, for example, 3 years for CB reports and 2 years for other IEC reports.

6. Submit shipping documents

Shipping Documents List:

• proforma invoice
• Packing List
• Effective TER
• Review and customs clearance: Before the goods leave the port, the above documents will be submitted to the Kuwait certification agency for final review.

7. Obtain a Technical Inspection Report (TIR)

• TIR definition: Technical Inspection Report (TIR) ​​is a key document for products to enter the Kuwait market.
• Issuance conditions: Once the technical documents and product test results of the goods have been reviewed and approved, PAI or an authorized agency will issue a TIR.
• Single application: TIR is valid for a single shipment only.

8. Shipping and customs clearance

Customs clearance requirements:

• TIR: When the goods arrive at the Kuwait port, a technical inspection report is required.
• Inspection: Kuwait Customs may conduct random inspections on goods to verify whether they comply with the declared information.
• Consequences of no TIR: If the goods do not have TIR, PAI may need to re-test them on site at the port, resulting in additional costs and delays.

9. Labeling requirements

Kuwait Conformity Mark (KCM):

After obtaining certification, manufacturers need to mark KCM on product packaging, nameplates or instructions to indicate that the product complies with Kuwait's technical regulations and standards.

10. Subsequent monitoring and re-certification

• Surveillance Inspection: After a product enters the market, PAI may conduct spot inspections to ensure continued compliance.
• Re-certification: After the TER expires, you need to resubmit the relevant test report to renew the certification.

Validity period of KUCAS certification

The validity period of the Technical Evaluation Report (TER) is usually one year, depending on the type of test report submitted. For example, the validity period of the CB report is three years, and the validity period of other IEC reports is two years. During the validity period of the TER, the company does not need to submit a test report for each shipment, but only needs to provide a valid TER.

Importance of KUCAS Certification

Obtaining KUCAS certification is essential for companies that want to enter the Kuwait market. It not only ensures that products comply with local technical regulations and standards, but also improves the market competitiveness of products and enhances consumers' trust in products. In addition, products holding KUCAS certification will be smoother during customs clearance, reducing unnecessary delays and costs.

FAQ

When exporting to Kuwait, should I apply for TIR certification or TER certification?

TIR (Technical Inspection Report) is a certification document for a single shipment, used to prove that the goods comply with the relevant technical regulations and requirements of Kuwait. It is one of the documents that must be submitted during the customs clearance process for exported goods.

TIR features:

• Applicable to single shipment: Each cargo transport requires a separate TIR application and cannot be reused.
• Documents required for customs clearance: When the importer clears customs at the Kuwait port, the customs needs to check the TIR.
• Consequences of not having TIR: If the goods do not have TIR, they will need to be inspected on site at the Kuwait port, which may result in delays and additional costs.

Applicable scenarios:

• This is our first export to Kuwait and we have not yet established a long-term cooperative relationship.
• There are many types of goods and there is no unified technical certification document.
• One-time export or small batch export.

TER (Technical Evaluation Report) is a conformity assessment report based on product technical parameters and test results, used to prove that the product complies with Kuwait's technical regulations and standards. Unlike TIR, TER is a long-term technical document.

TER features:

• Long-term applicability: TER is usually issued based on international test reports (such as CB reports, IEC reports). The validity period of CB reports is 3 years and that of IEC reports is 2 years.
• Applicable to multiple exports: During the validity period of TER, there is no need to repeat the test each time the same batch of products is exported. You only need to submit TER.
• Reduce repeated certification costs: For companies that export frequently, TER can save time and money.

Applicable scenarios:

• It is planned to export similar products to Kuwait on a long-term basis.
• The products comply with international standards (such as IEC, ISO) and have relevant test reports.
• Hope to reduce the cost and time of repeated certification.

Choose TIR certification:

• If you are exporting for the first time, or only plan to export once or in small quantities, it is more economical to choose TIR certification.
• In the absence of international test reports or when it is difficult to obtain product technical certification documents, TIR is a basic requirement for customs clearance.

Choose TER certification:

• If you plan to export similar products to Kuwait frequently, TER certification can save you time and money.
• For products that have obtained CB test reports or IEC test reports, it is faster to apply for TER certification.
• Suitable for long-term trading partners or export needs of large quantities of goods.

What documents are required for KUCAS certification application?

Applying for KUCAS certification usually requires submitting application form, packing list, pro forma invoice, test report, product photos, etc. Specific requirements may vary depending on the product category, so it is recommended to confirm with the certification body in advance.

Without KUCAS certification, can the product enter the Kuwait market?

Products without KUCAS certification may face customs clearance difficulties or even be denied entry when entering the Kuwaiti market. Therefore, it is recommended that all regulated products exported to Kuwait obtain KUCAS certification before shipment.