1970s

Cotecna SA is founded in Fribourg, Switzerland in 1974.

Our headquarters move to Geneva in 1975 and Cotecna Inspection SA is incorporated.

Our first trade supervision contracts are centred on technical contracts and mandates working for the Iranian Government, with supervision of other contracts in Nigeria and Morocco.

1980s

Our relationship with the United Nations is established. For over 25 years we have worked with UN agencies such as WHO, FAO and UNHCR to inspect purchases of medical equipment, including drugs.

Cotecna created a major partnership with OMIC, initiated in 1982 and formalized in 1984.  This partnership lasted over 15 years.  Today, Cotecna has its own network in Asia.

Our first Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) contract is signed in Nigeria in 1984, enabling Cotecna to develop its PSI system for future global expansion.

1990s

Cotecna consolidates its PSI positon throughout the 1990s, signing many PSI contracts and establishing its status as one of the world’s premier trade facilitation and inspection organizations.

In 1994 SGS buys a controlling interest in Cotecna.

The Massey family buys back Cotecna from SGS in 1998.

2000s

Cotecna expands its range of services, introducing DI, CRMS, Scanners, Cotecna Link, Collateral Management, Certification Services, COSEC and COTRACK.

New Cotecna offices are opened in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Manila, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Mumbai, Dhaka, Lagos and Ouagadougou.

Cotecna is appointed by the US Government as the only non-US company to help improve national security, taking a significant role in Operation Safe Commerce (OSC).