For non-European car imports to Portugal, a Technical Sheet (Ficha Técnica) is often required in place of a Certificate of Conformity (COC). This document is crucial for proving that the vehicle meets Portuguese and EU standards for safety, emissions, and technical specifications, allowing it to be registered and driven legally in Portugal.
Vehicles from European countries that are not in the EU often have a COC. In this case the technical sheet and brand representative are not needed.
What Is a Technical Sheet?
A Technical Sheet is a document that provides detailed information about the vehicle’s specifications, including:
- Engine size, fuel type, and power output
- Dimensions and weight
- Safety and emissions standards
- Vehicle identification numbers and other unique identifiers
It is essentially a data sheet that mirrors the details provided in a European COC but is issued for vehicles not originally manufactured to EU standards.
The Technical Sheet must be validated or created by an official Brand Representative or an authorized entity, ensuring it accurately reflects the vehicle’s characteristics.
Difference Between a COC and a Technical Sheet
Certificate of Conformity (COC): This is an EU-standard document that comes directly from the manufacturer for vehicles built for the European market. It certifies that the vehicle meets all relevant EU regulations, making the registration process straightforward within the EU.
Technical Sheet: For non-European vehicles, which typically lack a COC, a Technical Sheet is required to provide equivalent information. The Technical Sheet confirms that the vehicle meets comparable standards or outlines any differences. It must often be created or verified by the vehicle’s Brand Representative in Portugal to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Why a Technical Sheet Is Needed for Non-EU Imports
For non-EU vehicles, Portuguese authorities require the Technical Sheet because these vehicles may not inherently meet EU safety or emissions standards. The Technical Sheet serves several purposes:
- Customs Clearance and ISV Calculation: It provides the necessary details for calculating ISV (vehicle tax) based on emissions and engine size.
- Homologation: Portuguese regulations demand that non-EU vehicles go through an individual homologation process to confirm they meet EU-equivalent standards. The Technical Sheet is essential for this process.
- Inspection: During the required technical inspection (Category B), the Technical Sheet allows inspectors to verify the vehicle’s specifications accurately.
In summary, a Technical Sheet acts as a substitute for the COC in cases of non-EU imports, enabling Portuguese authorities to assess the vehicle’s compliance with EU standards. Car Import Portugal can assist in obtaining or validating this document through the necessary Brand Representative, ensuring that the import process is as smooth as possible for non-EU vehicles.
