A Free Sales Certificate (FSC), also called a Certificate of Free Sale or Export Sales Certificate, is an official government-issued document confirming that specific products are legally manufactured, distributed, and sold in the exporting country. It verifies compliance with domestic regulations and assures foreign governments that the goods meet their import requirements.
Originally developed in Europe under the EEA Agreement, FSCs were designed to streamline exports of compliant goods to non-EEA countries. Today, over 100 countries recognize FSCs as critical trade documents, often requiring them for customs clearance and product registration.
Why You Need a Free Sales Certificate (FSC)?
1. Customs Clearance
Many countries with strict trade policies require FSCs to release imported goods. Without it, shipments risk delays or rejection.
2. Market Authorization
Importers must submit FSCs to local regulators to legally sell products like medical devices, cosmetics, or food items.
3. Compliance Verification
The FSC proves your product meets international safety standards (e.g., EU directives) and is legally marketable in the exporting country.
Key Details in a Free Sales Certificate (FSC)
A standard FSC typically includes:
▸ Certificate number
▸ Product name and specifications
▸ Manufacturer/exporter name and address
▸ Relevant national standards or regulations complied with
▸ Validity period
▸ Issuing authority details
This document bridges regulatory expectations between exporting and importing nations, facilitating international trade by minimizing technical barriers.
Types of Free Sales Certificates (FSC) in China
1. Testing Agency-Issued FSCs:
A Free Sales Certificate issued by a qualified testing agency, which is then submitted to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to be formalized into an attested document.
2. Self-Declared FSCs:
Companies can draft their own Free Sales Declarations, which must then be notarized by the CCPIT and undergo apostille certification.
How to Legalize FSCs for International Use?
For Chinese-issued FSCs to be recognized overseas (e.g., for customs clearance), they generally require:
1. CCPIT Attestation: The certificate is first authenticated by the CCPIT to verify its legitimacy.
2. Apostille Certification: The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or provincial offices) attaches an apostille stamp under the Hague Convention, validating the document in 125+ member countries.
Required Documents for CCPIT Attestation and Apostille
1. Original FSC (with company seal if self-declared).
2. Business License: A copy of the company’s business license (company-stamped).
3. Authorization Letter: A signed letter authorizing a third party to handle the certification process.
Specific Notes
- For food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or cosmetics, the Free Sales Certificate must be issued by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
- For pesticide-related products, the certificate must be issued by the Agricultural Ministry’s pesticide inspection agency.
Get your Free Sales Certificate (FSC) Apostille-certified to comply with global trade rules and ensure it is legally recognized in 125+ countries.
Processing time for obtaining CCPIT Attestation and Apostille
Regular processing time for obtaining CCPIT Attestation is between 10-12 business days and Apostille is between 6-7 working days excluding mailing time.
Price for CCPIT Attestation and Apostille Service in China
Generally, our price starts at 2500 RMB, please reach us via notary@intrz.com and we will provide the quotation within minutes.
We Accept Payment
We accept payment through the following payment methods
- PayPal
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- Wise
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How does it work to get a document notarized in China?
If all of this sounds complicated and intimidating, don’t worry! We are here to help you to complete notarization application and guide you all the way to the finish line.
Send scan copy of document to be notarized and the following information as part of the email to notary@intrz.com.
1. What document do you need to notarize?
2. What is your nationality? Have you ever changed your nationality or name?
3. Which country will the certificate be used for? and for what purpose (work visa, student visa, permanent residence, immigration, court requirements, residence)?
4. Which foreign language do you need it to be translated? How many copies do you need?
5. What kind of services do you need, please mark it with “√”. Processing time is not include the shipping time.
_____Solution 1：Translation and CCPIT Attestation and Apostille
_____Solution 2：Solution 1 + Apostilled by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
_____Solution 3：Solution 2 + Legalized by foreign Consulate in China
We reply with the quotation and the required supplementary supporting documents.
We prepare the contract for you after receiving all the required documents.
You sign and send back the scan copy of contract and make the deposit.
We start to process the documents.
We send the scan copy of the certificate to you, and you pay the remaining balance.
We mail Attestation and Apostille certificate to you.
Why choose us?
▸ You do not need to apply in person. You just need to send all scanned documents to us. We will notarize the documents on your behalf.
▸ If you are pursuing an advanced degree or are looking for work abroad or immigrating and living permanently in another country, we can help you handle the notarization and authentication of the required relevant documents.
▸ We provide services including translation, notarization, authentication of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalization of Foreign Embassy or Consulate in China to save your precious time.