How to Obtain an ICV Certificate in Qatar

The In-Country Value (ICV) certificate is an important tool for companies looking to do business in Qatar, particularly those involved in government projects or working with state-owned entities like QatarEnergy, Qatar Rail, and others. The certification is part of Qatar’s initiative to promote local content, increase domestic production, and develop the local workforce.

Here is a general process on how companies can obtain an ICV certificate in Qatar:

1. Eligibility and Understanding the Criteria
Eligibility: Any company (local or international) operating in Qatar that wishes to participate in tenders for public projects or with government-owned entities should consider obtaining an ICV certificate.
Criteria: The ICV assessment looks at factors such as local goods and services procurement, local labor employment, training and development, investment in the local market, and more. The goal is to measure the extent of value generated by the company within Qatar.

2. Prepare Documentation
Financial Records: Companies need to provide audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year.
Local Content Data: Detailed records on the use of local suppliers, local labor, and the company’s training programs for employees.
Other Documents: Information about any local investments and corporate social responsibility initiatives within Qatar.

3. Choose an Authorized Certifying Body
Qatar has authorized independent certifying bodies to assess and issue the ICV certificate. These bodies will review the company’s documents and conduct audits to determine the ICV score.
Some of the certifying bodies include Bureau Veritas, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Ernst & Young (EY), among others.

4. Submit Application
Companies need to submit their ICV certificate application along with all required documents to the selected certifying body.
The certifying body will evaluate the application and calculate the company’s ICV score based on the provided data.

5. Audit and Evaluation
The certifying body may conduct an audit or request additional information to verify the company’s local content contributions. This can include site visits and interviews with key personnel.
After the evaluation, the ICV score is determined.

6. Receive the ICV Certificate
Once the evaluation is complete, the certifying body will issue the ICV certificate with the company’s ICV score. This score is valid for a set period (often one year), after which the company must reapply to renew the certification.

Benefits of ICV Certification for Companies in Qatar

1. Increased Competitiveness in Tenders
Companies with a high ICV score are given preference in government tenders and contracts, especially those issued by state-owned entities like QatarEnergy. This enhances a company’s chances of winning contracts in Qatar’s public sector.

2. Alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030
Obtaining an ICV certificate demonstrates a company’s alignment with Qatar’s long-term vision of economic diversification and local workforce development, making it more attractive to partners, investors, and stakeholders.

3. Stronger Relationships with Local Entities
The ICV framework encourages companies to build strong partnerships with local suppliers, service providers, and local talent, fostering long-term relationships that can lead to more business opportunities within Qatar.

4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Reputation
Companies with ICV certification are seen as contributing to the national economy and supporting local development. This enhances their reputation and strengthens their brand within Qatar and the wider GCC region.

5. Compliance and Recognition
Having an ICV certificate means that the company complies with national guidelines and regulations, which is increasingly becoming a requirement for companies bidding on major projects. It gives companies credibility and recognition in the market.

6. Long-Term Sustainability
By integrating local content into their business model, companies can create more sustainable operations within Qatar, reducing reliance on imports and fostering a stable, locally sourced supply chain.

Obtaining an ICV certificate in Qatar can be highly beneficial for companies, especially those looking to engage in public-sector projects or align with national development goals. It not only enhances their competitiveness in tenders but also strengthens their relationship with local stakeholders and positions them as contributors to the local economy.