A certificate of conformity confirms that a product, service or management system meets a specific standard: ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 22000 and HACCP for food safety, CE marking for the European market, GMP for pharmaceutical production, phytosanitary and veterinary certificates for agricultural products. In export, in a tender, in product registration and in a partner's checks this document is accepted only with a certified translation, while a foreign certificate is valid in Georgia with a Georgian translation. In the translation of a certificate the exact standard number, the word-for-word rendering of the scope of certification and the official name of the issuing body are critical. Our bureau in Tbilisi translates and notarizes certificates of conformity within one working day. Detailed guide: translation of ISO certificates and declarations of conformity in the technical translation section: terminology, format, who asks for them and how they are certified.
The certificates translated most often
- Management system certificates. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 22000 and their annexes with the scope of certification.
- Product certificates and declarations of conformity. The CE declaration of conformity, the EAC certificate for the Eurasian market, certificates of conformity with technical regulations.
- Food and agricultural certificates. HACCP, phytosanitary and veterinary certificates from the National Food Agency, organic production and halal certificates, the free sale certificate.
- Pharmaceutical and medical certificates. GMP, GDP, certificates of conformity for medical devices, the certificate of a pharmaceutical product.
- Test reports and certificates of analysis. Reports of accredited laboratories, quality certificates for wine, water, hazelnuts and honey.
- Accreditation and competence certificates. Accreditation certificates of laboratories, inspection and certification bodies.
When a certificate of conformity needs a translation
In the export of Georgian wine, mineral water, hazelnuts, honey and other products, the customs and control authorities of the importing country ask for the certificates in the language of the destination country or in English. In an international tender ISO certificates are a mandatory part of the qualification package. A foreign distributor, chain store and online marketplace ask for quality certificates when registering a supplier. A foreign company registering products in Georgia, taking part in a tender or importing a medical device submits its own certificates with a Georgian translation. And customs on import asks for the document confirming conformity with a technical regulation in Georgian, if the consignment is subject to detailed inspection.
What matters when translating a certificate
The standard number and the scope of certification
The designation of the standard (ISO 9001:2015, EN 1090, GOST, EU 2017/745) stays unchanged, because it is an international identifier. The scope of certification, that is the description of the activity or products the certificate covers, is rendered word for word, in the terminology of the industry: "wine production and bottling" and "production of alcoholic beverages" are different scopes, and "distribution of medical devices" and "manufacture" are different rights. Widening or narrowing the scope in translation legally distorts the certificate.
The issuing body, accreditation and the verification code
The name of the certification body stays in its official form, while accreditation marks and the name of the accreditation body are rendered in the version established in the target language. The certificate number, the dates of issue and validity, the recertification cycle and the verification code or QR code stay unchanged and are described in the translation, so that the receiving side can verify the certificate in the issuing body's register.
The product name identical in every document
The product name stated in the certificate must match the invoice, the contract and the customs declaration word for word. So for an exporter we create a glossary of product names that is used identically in every accompanying document and leaves no question of inconsistency at customs.
Certification and apostille on a certificate
The form of certification depends on the type of certificate and the receiving side. An ISO certificate issued by a private certification body usually needs a bureau-certified or notarized translation for a tender and a partner; for official submission abroad a notarized copy is prepared first, the Ministry of Justice places the apostille on it and the document is then translated together with the apostille. Phytosanitary and veterinary certificates are issued by a state body and often accompany the consignment as originals, with the translation attached; an apostille is rarely required on them. For customs, a brokerage company and a distributor the bureau's certification is enough in most cases. We confirm the requirement as soon as we take the order.
Translating a foreign certificate into Georgian
A foreign manufacturer or its Georgian importer submits a foreign certificate with a Georgian translation when registering products, in a tender or at customs: CE declarations, EAC certificates, TSE and GOST certificates, GMP and ISO certificates from European, Turkish, Chinese and American certification bodies, test reports and certificates of analysis. We choose the Georgian terminology in accordance with the technical regulations and Georgian standards, so that the National Food Agency, the pharmaceutical regulator or customs accepts the document without additional questions. If an apostille is needed on a foreign certificate, it must be placed in the issuing country itself.
Turnaround
The translation of a one-page certificate with notarization is ready within one working day; a certificate with annexes and test reports (5-20 pages) takes 2-3 days. For exporters who renew their certificates annually, the translation of the renewed certificate is prepared with the previous year's glossary, which reduces the turnaround.
Frequently asked questions
Are the standard number and the name of the certification body translated?
The standard number stays unchanged. The name of the certification body is rendered in its official form, so that the receiving side can verify the certificate in the body's register.
Does an ISO certificate need notarization for a tender?
The bureau's certification is often enough, although many procurers, especially state bodies, ask for a notarized translation. We establish the exact requirement from the tender conditions.
Is an apostille placed on a certificate of conformity?
Not directly on a private certification body's certificate: a notarized copy is prepared first, the apostille is placed on it and the document is then translated. An apostille is rarely required on state certificates.
How long does a certificate translation take?
A one-page certificate within one working day, a certificate with annexes and test reports within 2-3 days. An express deadline is agreed separately.
How do we make sure the product name is the same in every document?
We create a glossary of product names based on the certificate and use it in the translation of the invoice, the contract and the customs documents too. The glossary is kept for all the company's subsequent orders.