The In-Country Value (ICV) certification is an initiative introduced by the Qatar government to promote local sourcing and manufacturing, job creation, and economic diversification. The certification is mandatory for businesses operating in Qatar’s energy, oil and gas, and public procurement sectors. Obtaining ICV certification can be a challenging process, but it can open up new opportunities for businesses to operate in Qatar and gain a competitive edge.
How can we get ICV certification? Here are the steps that businesses can follow to obtain ICV certification in Qatar:
Understand the ICV requirements:
- The first step is to familiarize yourself with the ICV requirements. These requirements are specific to each sector, and the government regularly updates them. The ICV certification requirements for the energy and oil and gas sector include local expenditure, local employment, and local manufacturing, while the public procurement sector has additional requirements such as local investment and training.
Assess your business:
- Once you understand the ICV requirements, assess your business to identify areas where you can improve your local sourcing, employment, and manufacturing. This can involve reviewing your supply chain, identifying local suppliers, and investing in local talent development.
Implement ICV initiatives:
- Based on your assessment, implement ICV initiatives that align with the requirements. These initiatives can include sourcing locally produced goods and services, hiring local employees, investing in local training and education programs, and establishing local manufacturing operations.
Collect and document data:
- Collect and document data on your ICV initiatives to demonstrate compliance with the requirements. This includes gathering information on local spend, local employment, and local manufacturing output. You will need to maintain accurate records and supporting documentation to prove your compliance with the ICV requirements.
Submit your ICV certification application:
- Once you have implemented your ICV initiatives and collected all the necessary data, you can submit your ICV certification application to the Qatar Development Bank (QDB). The QDB is responsible for managing the ICV program in Qatar, and they will review your application and documentation to determine if you meet the ICV requirements.
Attend ICV certification audit:
- If your application is accepted, you will need to attend an ICV certification audit to verify the accuracy of the data and documentation provided in your application. The audit will be conducted by an independent third-party auditor appointed by the QDB.
Receive your ICV certification:
- If you pass the ICV certification audit, you will receive your ICV certification from the QDB. This certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
In conclusion, obtaining ICV certification in Qatar is a complex process that requires careful planning, implementation, and documentation. However, it is essential for businesses operating in Qatar’s energy, oil and gas, and public procurement sectors to gain a competitive edge and comply with government regulations. By following the steps outlined above, businesses can increase their chances of obtaining ICV certification and contributing to Qatar’s economic growth and development.
