• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
California Trade Alliance
  • About
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Become a Member
    • Certificate of Free Sale
    • Certificate of Origin
    • BSE Statement
  • Trade Shows
    • Cosmoprof Asia
    • Cosmoprof Bologna
    • Beautyworld Middle East
    • Cosmoprof India
  • Buyer Meetings
    • Virtual
    • Southeast Asia
  • Resources
    • Brand Directory
    • Opinions & Editorials
    • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Shortlist
Search
Close
California Trade Alliance
Search
Close
  • About
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Become a Member
    • Certificate of Free Sale
    • Certificate of Origin
    • BSE Statement
  • Trade Shows
    • Cosmoprof Asia
    • Cosmoprof Bologna
    • Beautyworld Middle East
    • Cosmoprof India
  • Buyer Meetings
    • Virtual
    • Southeast Asia
  • Resources
    • Brand Directory
    • Opinions & Editorials
    • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Shortlist

Certificate of Free Sale

Request a Certificate of Free Sale

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

Request a Certificate of Free Sale

Documentation Needed

Point of origin documents1) 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 $250 and is processed in 3 weeks.

Request a Certificate of Free Sale

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there expedited processing available? Expand

Yes, for an additional cost of $35 the FSC will be done within 2 business days.

Is there expedited shipping available? Expand

Yes, we offer FedEx 2Day for a cost of $45 and FedEx Priority Overnight for $65.

If my business has a FedEx account number can we provide that to be used to ship the document(s)? Expand

Yes, please provide the account number on the request form and we will use that to send the document.

What if I am exporting to multiple countries and need multiple certificates? Expand

Each country requires an individual certificate that is apostilled by the California Department of State and notarized.

What products can be covered by a CTA Certificate of Free Sale? Expand

Cosmetics, dietary supplements, infant formulas, foods (includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbals), food additives, plant and dairy foods, and beverages.

How many SKU’s/Products can be listed in a Certificate of Free Sale? Expand

Each Certificate can include up to 50 SKU’s at no additional cost. Please note that if you have more than one product, we can list them all on one certificate (we will still need copies of invoices showing the sale of each product to U.S. customers).

Can I receive an electronic version of the FSC before it is mailed? Expand

Yes, we are happy to provide you with a scanned version of the original copy please request this in the comments section of the request form.

If there is information we did not cover above please reach us via our contact page.

Primary Sidebar

Stay Informed

Don't miss out on updates and news from California Trade Alliance sign up with your email address below for free.

Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe!

Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Brand Directory
  • FAQs
  • Resources
  • Testimonials
  • Trade Shows
  • Cosmoprof Asia
  • Cosmoprof Bologna
  • Beautyworld Middle East
  • Cosmoprof India
  • Beauty Buyer Meetings
  • Middle East
  • Southeast Asia
  • Login

© 2022 California Trade Alliance. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy - Contact