An importer may ask a foreign supplier to provide an “EAC certificate”. This wording is common, but it does not confirm which document the product actually needs.

Some products require an EAC certificate. Others require an EAC Declaration of Conformity. In some cases, another approval may apply. The correct route depends on the product, the applicable EAEU technical regulations and the planned supply format.

The route should be checked before selecting an applicant, arranging testing, approving labels or shipping the goods.

What is the difference between an EAC certificate and an EAC declaration?

Both documents can confirm compliance with EAEU technical regulations, but they are formalised in different ways.

EAC certificate: an accredited certification body issues the certificate after completing the conformity assessment activities required by the applicable regulation and scheme.

EAC declaration: the applicant adopts the declaration and arranges its registration. The applicant is directly responsible for the declared conformity and the supporting evidence.

A declaration is not simply a faster or easier version of a certificate. Some declaration schemes allow the applicant to use its own evidence, while others require testing or assessment involving an accredited laboratory or another conformity assessment body.

A certificate also does not transfer all responsibility to the certification body. The manufacturer must continue producing goods that match the approved documentation, tested samples and declared manufacturing conditions.

The main differences in practical terms

Who formalises the result? Under certification, an accredited certification body issues the document. Under declaration, the applicant adopts the declaration and arranges its registration.

Who controls the evidence? Under certification, the certification body evaluates conformity under the selected scheme. Under declaration, the applicant forms and maintains the evidence file, with accredited participants involved where required.

What may the procedure include? Depending on the regulation and scheme, the route may include product identification, document review, testing, production assessment, production control or surveillance.

Who carries responsibility? The certification body is responsible for its certification decision. The applicant and manufacturer retain their respective obligations. Under declaration, the applicant assumes direct responsibility for the conformity statement and supporting evidence.

Can the supplier choose the form for convenience? No. The applicable regulation and product classification determine the available form.

How to determine which document is required

The choice is not based on price, speed or the wording used by the importer. It normally depends on the following points:

• the product type, function and intended use;
• the applicable EAEU technical regulations;
• the form of conformity confirmation prescribed for the product category;
• serial production, a defined batch or a single product;
• the permitted conformity assessment scheme and evidence route.

A product name or HS code can help start the review, but it is rarely enough on its own. Products with similar customs descriptions may require different routes because their function, design, ratings or operating conditions are different.

The model range also matters. Several models may sometimes be covered by one project, but their differences must be clearly defined and the evidence must cover the complete scope.

Why the conformity assessment scheme matters

The words “certificate” and “declaration” name the document form. The scheme defines how the project will work in practice: who can apply, what evidence is required, how samples are identified and whether production assessment or surveillance applies.

Serial production: check the eligible applicant, manufacturer and production sites, representative models, evidence route, possible production assessment and surveillance.

Defined batch: check the contract and shipment details, batch size, applicant role, sample identification and evidence covering the supplied products.

Single product: check the exact product identification, serial number where applicable and evidence limited to that unit.

A batch document cannot automatically cover future serial deliveries. A serial-production document should not be prepared without confirming the manufacturer, production sites, model range and applicant structure.

Two common supply scenarios

Regular supplies from a foreign manufacturer

A European manufacturer plans regular deliveries of industrial electrical equipment through several distributors in the EAEU.

Before ordering any document, the project should confirm:

• the applicable technical regulations;
• the prescribed form of conformity confirmation;
• the models and configurations covered;
• the eligible EAEU-based applicant;
• the required evidence and testing;
• whether production assessment or surveillance applies.

The importer may still call the document an “EAC certificate”, but the final form can only be confirmed after the product category and applicable requirements have been checked.

One limited batch for a specific importer

A supplier plans a one-off shipment under a specific contract. The importer proposes a declaration because the shipment is limited.

The batch format may change the available scheme and applicant options, but it does not automatically determine the document form. The applicable technical regulation must first allow declaration for that product category.

The evidence must also be linked to the actual batch, including the product description, quantity, models, contract or shipment details and tested samples. The same document cannot be treated as coverage for later deliveries outside its defined scope.

Who can act as the applicant?

For most EAC certification and declaration routes, a foreign manufacturer without legal establishment in the EAEU cannot act as the applicant directly. An eligible legal entity or individual entrepreneur registered in an EAEU Member State is normally required.

Depending on the regulation, form and scheme, the applicant may be:

• a manufacturer established in the EAEU;
• a person authorised to perform the functions of a foreign manufacturer;
• a seller or importer for a batch or single-product route, where permitted.

The exact applicant category must be checked for the specific project. Selecting the first available importer may later create problems with document control, evidence retention and distribution through other companies.

What evidence should be checked?

The key question is not whether the supplier has “a test report”, but whether the available evidence is suitable for the required form and scheme.

The review should confirm:

• which models and configurations the reports cover;
• whether the manufacturer and production site match the planned document;
• whether the tested product matches the final supplied configuration;
• which standards and technical requirements were assessed;
• whether an accredited laboratory must participate;
• whether additional testing, production assessment or technical documentation is required.

CE, CB, IEC or EN documents may be useful supporting materials, but they do not determine whether certification or declaration applies. A report for an older model, another factory, different ratings or only one component may be valid on its own but unsuitable for the final EAC project.

Typical mistakes

• Requesting a certificate only because the importer used the word “certificate”.
• Choosing a declaration because it appears faster or less expensive.
• Assuming the supplier can choose either form.
• Treating an EU Declaration of Conformity as an EAC declaration.
• Using a batch scheme for recurring serial deliveries.
• Selecting an applicant before checking whether that role is permitted.
• Using reports that do not cover the complete model range or final configuration.
• Printing the EAC mark before all applicable conformity procedures are complete.

The EAC mark should only be used after all conformity assessment procedures required for the product have been completed and the final regulatory scope has been confirmed.

A practical route to the correct document

A reliable project usually follows this sequence:

• Identify the product, its intended use and final configuration.
• Confirm whether the project covers serial production, a batch or a single product.
• Determine the applicable technical regulations and product categories.
• Confirm whether a certificate, declaration or another approval is required.
• Select a permitted scheme for the actual supply scenario.
• Verify who can act as the applicant.
• Compare the available documentation and evidence with the selected route.
• Identify missing testing, documents or applicant arrangements.
• Check the final model list, manufacturer, production sites, applicant and marking before shipment.

This approach prevents the project from being built around an informal request or a document used for a superficially similar product.

What to send for a preliminary review

A focused initial package is usually enough to identify the likely route and the main gaps:

• product description and intended use;
• target EAEU country or countries;
• HS code, if available;
• model list and explanation of technical differences;
• serial, batch or single-product supply format;
• datasheet or technical specification;
• manual and nameplate photographs;
• manufacturer and production-site details;
• available certificates and test reports;
• proposed importer or applicant, if already selected.

How SITIX supports certificate and declaration projects

SITIX helps foreign manufacturers, exporters, importers and distributors check which EAEU conformity route may apply before an application, testing programme or shipment is approved.

Support may include product and model-scope review, certificate or declaration route assessment, scheme and applicant checks, evidence-gap analysis, technical documentation support, testing coordination and communication with relevant certification bodies, laboratories and local partners.

If an importer has requested an “EAC certificate”, send SITIX the product description, model list, supply format, target country, datasheet, manual, nameplate photographs and available reports. We will review whether certification, declaration or another approval route should be considered and identify the points that need to be confirmed before the procedure starts.