FILIPINO exporters looking to introduce their products into the Middle East and African markets have to secure a certificate of conformity (COC) to avoid holding or rejection of shipments by their overseas buyers. Joanchris Preau, general manager at Bureau Veritas Philippines, said that in Africa, a penalty of 15 percent of cost, insurance and freight value in cash is imposed if a COC is not secured. Shipments may also be held for several months for local inspection and testing. “In the Middle East, shipments are simply rejected and shipped back to the Philippines,” she said. Preau cited Egypt, where the accredited third-party surveyor verifies the inspection report against the provided documents. “Upon satisfactory result, the secured Certificate of Conformity is issued. This certificate shall be used for the clearance of the goods,” she said. (PhilExport News and Features)