ICV Certification Services in JAFZA

The UAE’s push towards economic self-sufficiency and industrial diversification has made the In-Country Value programme one of the most strategically significant compliance requirements for businesses operating in the region. For companies registered in JAFZA that supply to government entities, semi-government organisations, or ADNOC and its affiliates, an ICV certificate is no longer optional. It is a direct determinant of your competitiveness in the tender process and your standing as a committed contributor to the UAE economy.

At HLB HAMT, we are an approved ICV certifying body with over 25 years of experience in the UAE. Our team of specialist ICV auditors works closely with businesses across JAFZA to ensure their certification is accurate, compliant, and strategically positioned to reflect the true value they bring to the local economy

What Is the In-Country Value Programme?

The National In-Country Value Programme is a UAE government initiative launched under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to measure and enhance the contribution of businesses to the local economy. Originally introduced by ADNOC in 2018, the programme has since expanded at a federal level to cover a wide range of sectors and government-affiliated entities.

The programme evaluates how much value a business generates within the UAE through local procurement, employment of UAE nationals, investment in local infrastructure, research and development, and training. This evaluation produces an ICV score, expressed as a percentage, which is used by participating entities during the tender evaluation and contract award process.

A strong ICV score gives your business a measurable competitive advantage. Companies that participate without a certificate are automatically assigned a score of zero. Those with a well-prepared, accurately certified score can gain a bid advantage of up to 40 percent, making ICV certification one of the most commercially impactful exercises your business can undertake.

What Determines Your ICV Score?

Your ICV score is calculated based on audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and verified by an approved certifying body. The score reflects your company’s value-add to the UAE economy across the following key parameters:

Local Procurement and Supplier Spend

The proportion of your procurement budget directed towards UAE-based suppliers and vendors with valid ICV certificates contributes directly to your score. Localising your supply chain is one of the most effective levers for improving your ICV position.

Emiratisation and Workforce Investment

The number of UAE nationals employed by your business, their salary levels, and the training and development investment made on their behalf are factored into the score. Payroll records must align with Wage Protection System data for these figures to qualify.

Capital Investment in the UAE

Investments in land, machinery, infrastructure, and other fixed assets within the UAE demonstrate a long-term economic commitment and contribute positively to your ICV score.

Investments in Technology Transfer and Research

Expenditure on research, development, and technology adoption within the UAE is recognised under the programme as a sign of contribution to the knowledge economy and industrial advancement.

Third-Party Supplier ICV Certificates

The ICV scores of your own suppliers are incorporated into your calculation. Working with ICV-certified vendors strengthens your position and reflects positively on your overall score.

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Our ICV Audit Services

ICV Score Calculation and Certification

As an approved certifying body, HLB HAMT manages the full ICV certification process for your business. We review your audited financial statements, assess the applicable inputs across all scoring parameters, complete the MoIAT supplier submission template on your behalf, and issue your ICV certificate upon successful verification. Our role is not simply to process paperwork; we ensure your score accurately and fully reflects your company's contribution to the UAE economy.

ICV Score Assessment and Optimisation

Before certification, many businesses are unaware of where their score stands and what legitimate improvements are available to them. Our team conducts a detailed pre-certification assessment to identify areas where your ICV score can be improved through changes to procurement practices, supplier selection, workforce decisions, or capital allocation. We provide clear, practical recommendations that are commercially viable and compliant with MoIAT guidelines.

ICV Improvement Plan Development

An ICV Improvement Plan is a forward-looking commitment that outlines how your business intends to increase its ICV score over the period of a contract. During tender evaluations, a credible improvement plan carries significant weight, often more than the existing score itself. HLB HAMT assists businesses in developing realistic, well-structured improvement plans that demonstrate genuine intent and measurable targets, giving you a stronger position in the bidding process.

IFRS Financial Statement Review for ICV Purposes

ICV certification requires audited financial statements prepared under IFRS, signed by a Ministry of Economy-licensed auditor, and not older than two years from the certification year. For businesses that require their financials to be reviewed or prepared specifically to meet these requirements, our team provides the necessary support to ensure the statements are in the correct format and fully compliant before the certification process begins.

Vendor ICV Certificate Verification

The validity and accuracy of your suppliers' ICV certificates directly affect your own score. HLB HAMT assists businesses in verifying the ICV certificates of their key vendors, ensuring that the procurement-related inputs in your certification template are supported by valid and current documentation.

Our Approach

Every ICV engagement begins with a thorough review of your financial records, procurement data, workforce information, and capital structure. We do not approach certification as a form-filling exercise. We approach it as a financial and strategic review that should produce a score that genuinely and accurately reflects your business’s contribution to the UAE economy while identifying every compliant opportunity to strengthen that position.

Our team is fully conversant with the MoIAT’s guidelines, the ADNOC certification framework, and the specific documentation requirements that apply to JAFZA-registered entities. We manage the end-to-end process, including submission through the official MoIAT digital platform, communication with the certifying authorities, and resolution of any queries that arise during the review.

We also keep our clients informed of regulatory updates. The ICV programme continues to evolve, and staying ahead of changes, such as the January 2025 requirement for stand-alone audited financial statements specific to each certified entity, is part of the service we provide.

Why Choose HLB HAMT in JAFZA for ICV Certification

Approved ADNOC and MoIAT certifying body with over 25 years of experience in the UAE
A dedicated team of specialist ICV auditors with in-depth knowledge of the certification framework and scoring methodology
Deep familiarity with JAFZA's regulatory environment and the specific requirements for free zone entities
Full end-to-end service, from pre-certification assessment and score optimisation through to certificate issuance
IFRS expertise ensuring your financial statements meet all requirements before the certification process begins
Proven track record supporting businesses across trading, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, and technology sectors in obtaining and improving their ICV scores

Partner with HLB HAMT in JAFZA

Whether you are applying for your ICV certificate for the first time, looking to improve your existing score before an upcoming tender, or seeking a more reliable and experienced certifying body, HLB HAMT is ready to support you.

Our ICV specialists are based in the UAE and available to assess your business, walk you through the certification process, and provide a clear proposal tailored to your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions – Audit Services

Does my JAFZA-registered company need an ICV certificate?

If your business supplies goods or services to ADNOC, government entities, semi-government organisations, or any participating entity under the National ICV Programme, you are required to hold a valid ICV certificate to be competitively evaluated in the tender process. Companies without a certificate are assigned a score of zero, which puts them at a significant disadvantage. Even if you are not currently bidding for government contracts, obtaining an ICV certificate positions your business for future opportunities in the UAE market.

How long is an ICV certificate valid?

An ICV certificate is valid for 14 months from the date of issuance of the audited financial statements on which it is based. Businesses are required to renew their certificate annually to remain eligible for tender participation. HLB HAMT can assist with the renewal process and advise on the optimal timing for re-certification.

What financial statements are required for ICV certification?

You will need audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, signed by a Ministry of Economy-licensed auditor, and not older than two years from the certification year. From January 2025, stand-alone audited financial statements specific to each legal entity being certified are required. Consolidated or combined financials are no longer sufficient on their own. Our team can advise on what is required based on your specific entity structure and licence type.

Can a newly established company apply for ICV certification?

Yes. Companies that are less than ten months old and do not yet have audited financial statements may use management accounts for a period of up to nine months to support their ICV application. Our team can assist newly established businesses in preparing the appropriate documentation and navigating the certification process from the outset.

Can HLB HAMT help us improve our ICV score before certification?

Yes. Before initiating the certification process, our team conducts a pre-certification assessment to identify where your current score stands and what legitimate, compliant improvements can be made. This may involve adjustments to your procurement approach, supplier selection, Emiratisation records, or capital investment disclosures. Improving your score before certification is one of the most valuable steps a business can take to strengthen its position in the UAE market.

Why Choose Our Accounting Services in JAFZA?

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FAQs

What sets HLB JAFZA’s accounting services apart from other firms in the region?

HLB JAFZA distinguishes itself from other accounting companies in JAFZA through extensive experience and a commitment to customized solutions. We understand the unique needs of each client and provide tailored accounting services in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.

How can HLB JAFZA’s online or cloud-based accounting benefit my business?

Our online accounting services utilize advanced technology to create cost-effective solutions, allowing for remote access. This reduces the need for office space and enables paperless documentation, streamlining financial management for businesses in JAFZA.

What is included in HLB JAFZA's accounting service packages, and how can they be customized?

HLB JAFZA’s accounting packages are customizable, covering transactions, bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting. We can adapt services like compliance and tax planning to fit your specific business requirements and budget as a leading accounting firm in JAFZA.

What is onsite accounting, and what advantages does it provide for my organization?

Onsite accounting involves transferring accounting responsibilities to our qualified consultants at your location, enabling your team to focus on core operations while ensuring expert management of financial tasks.

What is accountant secondment, and what are the hiring options with HLB JAFZA?

Accountant secondment allows you to hire experienced accountants temporarily for periods ranging from one to six months, with the possibility of extension based on mutual agreement.

Can a newly established company apply for ICV certification?