📜 Program Objectives

The VoC program is designed to:

• 🛡️ Protect consumers and the environment from unsafe or counterfeit goods.
• 📈 Ensure compliance with Qatari health and safety standards.
• ⚙️ Facilitate faster customs clearance at ports of entry.
• 💼 Support fair competition by preventing non‑compliant products from reaching the market.
• 🤝 Simplify trade procedures through recognition of validated conformity documents.

⚙️ Scope of the Program

Mandatory Food Categories and Origin Countries

Certain food categories must undergo verification before export to Qatar, including:

• All countries: Irradiated foods and Enoki mushrooms
• India: Buffalo meat and spices (including curry leaves)
• Lebanon & Jordan: Fresh leafy vegetables
• Lebanon: Grapes
• Egypt: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and chilled fish
• India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan: Chilled and frozen seafood
• Oman: Chilled fish and seafood
• Korea and Philippines: Processed food products
• GCC countries: Re‑exported food products (not manufactured within the GCC)

All other food types can voluntarily obtain a CoC to facilitate customs clearance.

🔍 Process and Key Steps

Step 1. Request for Certificate (RFC)

Exporters or importers start by submitting a Request for Certificate with shipment details, invoice, and packing list. Requests are handled via the official electronic system, WATHEQ, operated by the MoPH.

Step 2. Documentary Review

The authorized inspection body reviews submitted documents and verifies WATHEQ registration.

Exporters must provide all necessary licenses, permits, and conformity documentation.

⚠️ Important: Only manufacturers are required to hold Food Safety Management System (HACCP) or Good Manufacturing/Veterinary/Agricultural Practice certifications. These are not mandatory for exporters.

Step 3. Inspection and Testing

Physical inspection, sampling, and control testing are performed to confirm conformity with Qatari and GSO standards.

Witnessing of container loading and sealing is mandatory.

Step 4. Assessment Outcome

• ✅ Certificate of Conformity (CoC) – issued when the consignment meets all requirements.
• ❌ Non‑Conformity Report (NCR) – issued when non‑compliance is identified.

Exporters are advised not to ship goods before receiving the CoC.

🧠 Technical Requirements

To qualify for certification, products and establishments must:

• Be approved and registered in the WATHEQ food safety platform.
• Comply with Qatari/GSO standards and regulations.
• Display proper Arabic labeling aligned with GSO 9 and GSO 2233 guidelines.
• Indicate production and expiry dates clearly, respecting shelf‑life rules (e.g., 5 days for pasteurized milk, 10 days for Laban drinks).
• Exclude ingredients or markings contrary to Qatari law (e.g., pork, alcohol, or offensive imagery).

📦 Inspection Highlights

• Mandatory witnessing of loading and sealing for each consignment.
• Destination inspection is not permitted.
• Sampling required for the first shipment; subsequent tests depend on risk assessment.
• Testing conducted in ISO 17025‑accredited laboratories.

💰 Fees and Responsibilities

Costs are paid by the exporter, including any additional fees for re‑inspections or testing.

Sellers bear the cost of preparing goods for assessment (unpacking, sampling, or repacking).

🌍 Key Benefits for Exporters

• 🚀 Accelerates clearance at Qatar’s ports of entry.
• 🔒 Reduces risk of shipment rejection or delay.
• 📋 Ensures legal compliance with Qatari import regulations.
• 🌐 Boosts credibility through recognized certification.
• 🧾 Simplifies trade by standardizing documentation and minimizing re‑testing.

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

ComplyMarket provides expert support to exporters and importers navigating the Qatar Verification of Conformity (VoC) process.

Our specialists assist with:

• Document preparation and review before submission.
• Guidance on WATHEQ registration and application filing.
• Coordination with authorized inspection entities.
• Real‑time tracking of conformity approvals and renewals.

By partnering with ComplyMarket, businesses can confidently prepare shipments that meet Qatar’s regulatory requirements while ensuring efficient customs clearance.