Foreign governments require a "Certificate of Free Sale", sometimes referred to as a "Certificate of Export" or "Certificate to Foreign Governments" when companies import products.
The Certificate of Free Sale is evidence that goods, such as cosmetics, dietary supplements, infant formulas, foods (includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbals), food additives, plant and dairy foods and beverages, are legally sold or distributed in the open market, freely without restriction, and approved by the regulatory authorities in the country of origin. I.e. United States.
The California Trade Alliance's Certificates of Free Sale are dully authenticated by a California Secretary of State Apostille, notarized and verified by a notary public. Our Certificates of Free Sale can be issued for products and companies from all 50 states. In addition all Certificates carry an authenticity tracking number to allow foreign custom offices, clients, or yourself to verify authenticity.
Cost: $75 for non-members
$35 for members
Processing time: 5-7 business days
Expedited Service Available: 1-2 business days
Documentation Needed
1) A written declaration from the manufacturer.
A written declaration from your company if you are the manufacturer stating that the products are manufactured in the United States.
2) Copies of invoices showing the sale/distribution of each product to a U.S. customer.
The invoices should be dated within the last 12 months and the product names must be the same as how they will appear on the certificate. For example, if you sell lipstick to Whole Foods Market, a copy of a paid invoice to Whole Foods can be provided to us to fulfill this requirement.
3) A list of all SKU’s and product description in MS Excel or Word.
This list MUST match the items in your invoice.
Countries that require special authentications:
Vietnam & Kuwait.
Payments
An invoice is issued with a pay by card option to pay online or you can mail a check to California Trade Alliance 2321 E. 4th Street, #C318, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
Additional Step: This applies to Kuwait Free Sale Certificates only. These Certificates need an $8 check on a company check to send with your Free Sale Certificate. Please make checks payable to the U.S. Department of State and send to the above address. This is to cover the authorization by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Due to the increased authorizations necessary a FSC for Kuwait cost $200 and is processed in 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
If there is information we did not cover above please reach us via our contact page.