📰 Difference between a Certificate of Conformity and a State Registration Certificate
In Kazakhstan and the other countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), products placed on the market are regulated by a system of mandatory safety assessment.
Two main documents are used for this purpose: a Certificate of Conformity and a Certificate of State Registration (SGR).
At first glance, they appear similar, but they perform different functions and are issued for different product categories. Let's look at how they differ and when each is required.
📄 What is a certificate of conformity?
A Certificate of Conformity confirms that a product meets the EAEU technical regulations.
It confirms the product’s quality and performance characteristics, rather than its sanitary and hygienic properties.
The certificate is issued on the basis of:
- testing of the product’s technical characteristics;
- a production audit, where required by the certification scheme;
- a review of documentation and labeling.
Obtaining certification is required for most industrial, electrical, construction, and household goods, as well as for machinery, equipment, furniture, etc.
📘 Example of products requiring a certificate of conformity:
- household appliances and power tools;
- electrical equipment and cable products;
- children's toys (according to technical regulations);
- furniture and building materials;
- textiles, footwear, clothing.
🧾 What is SGR?
A Certificate of State Registration (SGR) confirms the sanitary and hygienic safety of a product.
It certifies that the product is safe for human health and can be circulated within the territory of the EAEU.
The State Registration Certificate is issued in accordance with:
- Decision No. 299 of the Customs Union Commission, dated 28 May 2010,
- “On the Application of Sanitary Measures in the Customs Union”;
- the EAEU Unified Sanitary Requirements.
The document is issued on the basis of sanitary and hygienic testing and an expert opinion confirming the product’s safety.
📘 Example of products requiring SGR:
- food products and beverages;
- cosmetics and personal hygiene products;
- dietary supplements;
- products for children and infants;
- household and industrial chemicals;
- products containing GMOs;
- specialized food products.
⚖️ Key differences between a certificate of conformity and a State Registration Certificate
🔍 When is a Certificate of Conformity required, and when is an SGR required?
✅ A Certificate of Conformity is required if:
- the product falls within the scope of EAEU technical regulations (CU TR or EAEU TR);
- its quality and safety in use must be confirmed, for example for electrical goods or machinery.
✅ An SGR is required if:
- the product comes into contact with humans (through skin, food, respiratory tract);
- the product belongs to sanitary-controlled categories (food, cosmetics, dietary supplements, chemicals, etc.).
In some cases, a product may require both documents if it falls within the scope of both types of regulation.
For example, a children's toy with a fragrance or cosmetic effect may require SGR + certificate of conformity.
🧠 Why it's important not to confuse documents
Incorrect selection of the type of permit document may lead to:
- refusal of customs clearance when importing goods;
- fines and withdrawal of products from circulation;
- problems during inspections by sanitary control and certification authorities;
- loss of partners and contracts due to missing permits.
Therefore, before starting import or production, it is important to determine what document exactly is required for your product.
🧩 How ALMA TEST helps with paperwork
ALMA TEST specializes in product registration and certification for the markets of Kazakhstan and the EAEU.
We help:
- determine whether an SGR, a Certificate of Conformity or both are required;
- prepare the full document package;
- arrange testing in accredited laboratories;
- obtain the official Certificate of State Registration or Certificate of Conformity.
We support our clients from the initial consultation through to entry in the EAEU register, ensuring full compliance with the law.
✅ Conclusion
A Certificate of Conformity and a Certificate of State Registration are different but complementary means of verifying product quality and safety.
A Certificate of Conformity confirms technical compliance, while an SGR confirms sanitary safety.
To avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs, a preliminary expert assessment of the product is recommended.
ALMA TEST specialists will identify exactly which authorization documents your product requires and manage the entire process of obtaining them.