FDA Certificate of Free Sale — Export Certificate
Many countries require an FDA Certificate of Free Sale as proof that your food, supplement, or cosmetic, is legally sold in the United States. LMG assists with FDA export certificate applications for all product categories.
FDA Certificates for food, dietary supplement and cosmetics
Foreign business and governments often asked for FDA certificates for products exporting from the U.S. FDA is issuing a certificate of free sale also known as FDA export certificate, to US firms that manufacture food, dietary supplements, cosmetics and food additives. The certificate indicates that the product is marketed in the U.S. or eligible for export and the manufacturer has no pending enforcement action before FDA.
The FDA Certificate to a Foreign Government is available for conventional foods, food additives, food contact substances, and infant formula that meet the applicable requirements of the FD&C Act for marketing in the United States. This certificate states, among other things that a product (or products) may be marketed in and legally exported from the United States. The fee for this certificate is $175 for the first certificate, $155 for the second certificate for the same products(s) issued in response to the same request, and $100 for each subsequent certificate for the same product(s) issued in response to the same request.
The FDA Certificate of Exportability is available for conventional foods, food additives, food contact substances, and infant formula products that cannot be legally marketed in the United States but that meet the requirements of section 801(e) of the FD&C Act and may be legally exported. This certificate states that a product (or products) meet(s) the requirements of section 801(e)(1) of the FD&C Act and may be legally exported. The fee for this certificate is $175 for the first certificate, $155 for the second certificate for the same products(s) issued in response to the same request, and $100 for each subsequent certificate for the same product(s) issued in response to the same request.
The FDA Certificate of Free Sale is available only for dietary supplements, medical foods, and foods for special dietary use. FDA does not charge a fee for this certificate.
The FDA Certificate for Cosmetics is issued for products that meet the definition of a cosmetic under section 201(i) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 321(i)). FDA does not issue cosmetic export certificates for raw or bulk materials and products marketed with drug claims, such as cleansers with acne treatment claims.
Liberty Management Group Ltd. assists food, dietary supplement and cosmetic manufacturers in FDA export certificate application requirements.
Certificate of Free Sale
Official FDA documentation confirming your product is freely marketed in the United States — required by food import authorities in many countries.
Food & Supplement Certificate
Export certificates for food products and dietary supplements — verifying FDA registration and U.S. market authorization for international trade.
Registration Prerequisite
A valid FDA food facility registration is required before an export certificate can be issued. LMG handles both registration and certificates together.
Global Market Access
Our export certificate service covers all major export destination countries — helping you access markets in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond.
How It Works
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Free Sale?
A Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is an official document from a regulatory authority confirming that a product is freely sold in the country of origin and meets applicable regulatory requirements. The FDA issues CFS for food, supplement, and cosmetic products.
Which countries require a Certificate of Free Sale?
Many countries in Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines), Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East require a CFS as part of their food import registration or market authorization process.
What is the difference between a CFS and an FDA Export Certificate?
The terms are often used interchangeably. FDA issues export certificates under various names depending on the product category — Certificate of Free Sale, Certificate to Foreign Government (CFG for devices), or Certificate to Pharmaceutical Product (CPP for drugs).
How long is an FDA Certificate of Free Sale valid?
FDA export certificates are typically valid for 2 years.
Need an FDA Certificate of Free Sale?
LMG prepares FDA Certificate of Free Sale applications for food, supplement, and other product manufacturers.
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