Certificates Programs
Cosmetic and personal care product companies exporting products from the United States are often required to provide export certificates to import a cosmetic or personal care product into that country by foreign governments, regulatory agencies, distributors, or customers.
Cosmetic and personal care product companies exporting products from the United States are often required to provide export certificates to import a cosmetic or personal care product into that country by foreign governments, regulatory agencies, distributors, or customers.
A Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is a document that attests that the product you are exporting to another country is identical to the product sold in the United States and that it has been manufactured according to all applicable laws. This assures foreign authorities that the product is safe and effective.
Many countries require a CFS to register and sell products in their country. Even where not required, some companies find it easier to register their products when accompanied by a CFS.
PCPC has been issuing CFS for member companies for more than 20 years and processes more than 2,500 of these certificates annually for 81 countries. PCPC issues CFS in an efficient and timely manner, providing all necessary consular, state department and local government agency notarization seals required for CFS. PCPC is equipped to provide a tailored CFS for a range of manufacturing situations.
PCPC also offers members:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates, stating that the products are manufactured in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as GMP guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and that the products are not adulterated or misbranded.
- A Document Authentication certificate can be ordered for documents that require legalization from the embassy or apostille from the Secretary of State, such as Letters of Authorization, product formulations and Powers of Attorney.
Certificates are available to PCPC members only.
PCPC members: login to begin the application process.
Not a member? Join today to gain access to the certificates program and many other member benefits!
General FAQs
.
What is a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) Certificate?
The completed document attests the product you are exporting to another country is identical to the product sold in the United States and has been manufactured according to all applicable laws. This assures foreign authorities that the product is safe and effective.
What is a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate?
This certificate states that the products are manufactured in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as GMP guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and that the products are not adulterated or misbranded.
Why does my company need one of these certificates?
Many countries require a CFS or GMP to register and sell products in their country. Even where not required, some companies find it easier to register their products when accompanied by a CFS or GMP.
What are examples of products that do not require a certificate?
The CFS requirements are determined by each country. Please consult with your internal export team/regulatory team.
What products can I include in my application?
A cosmetic is an article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or alternating the appearance, and articles intended for use as a component of any such articles, except that the term “cosmetic” does not include soap as defined in 21 CFR 701.20(a) (21 U.S.C. 201(i)). Products that are intended to affect the structure or function of the body (other than foods), or to have a therapeutic effect such as treating or preventing disease, are drugs under U.S. law (21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1)). Products marketed as “soap” may be cosmetics (i.e., if they do not meet the definition of “soap” in 21 CFR 701.20(a)) or drugs regulated by FDA, or they may be consumer products regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, depending upon their composition and intended use.
What products can I not include in my application?
Medical devices, dietary supplements or products that are consumed orally or injected.
Is there a separate application process for GMP?
No, the application is the same.
Can everyone on my team use the same login?
No, each person needs their own unique login.
Which countries are parties to the Apostille Convention (Hague Convention of 5 October 1961) and have the convention in force with the United States of America?
View the Hague Apostille Country list.
Application FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for a certificate?
Only PCPC members are eligible to apply. If you are not a member, click here to join.
What do I need to provide in my application?
An affidavit drafted by your company that follows the sample affidavit provided by PCPC.
How long does it take to process my application?
Standard processing takes 3-5 weeks.
Can I expedite the processing of my application?
Yes, you can request rushed processing, it takes 10-15 business days.
Do I receive a hard copy of my certificate?
Yes, a hard copy of your authenticated document is mailed to the address provided in your application.
Do I receive a digital version of my certificate?
No, PCPC does not provide digital versions of the certificates because the DC Notary and State Department, the entity that provides the certificate, does not provide a digital version.
Can I request multiple CFS certificates in one application?
Each request has a unique application number, but you can request multiple certificates for different products in one order.
How long is a Certificate of Free Sale valid?
Two years.
What do I have to submit after my CFS or GMP certificate expires?
You must complete a new application.
What should I do if there is an error on my CFS?
Contact PCPC at [email protected] or 202.454.0361.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the application process?
Please email [email protected] or call 202.454.0361.
Pricing
Fees | |
Standard (3-5 weeks) |
$385 |
Rush (10-15 Business Days) |
$585 |
Standard Certified Statement (1-2 weeks) | $200 |
Rush Certified Statement (5 Business Days) |
$300 |
Fees include U.S. shipping costs, eliminating the need to provide a return shipping label with your application.
Country Fees
Country | Fee |
Algeria | $106.00 |
Cambodia | $100.00 |
Canada | $40.00 |
Egypt | $127.00 |
Ethiopia | $90.00 |
Ghana | $50.00 |
Iraq | $160.00 |
Jordan | $47.25 |
Kenya | $50.00 |
Kuwait | $25.00 |
Lebanon | $225.00 |
Libya | $100.00 |
Malaysia | $5.00 |
Myanmar | $15.00 |
Nigeria | $100/product + $50 one-time processing fee |
Qatar | $41.00 |
Sri Lanka | $60.00 |
Sudan | $54.00 |
Taiwan | $15.00 |
Tanzania | $200.00 |
Thailand | $15.00 |
Togo | $3.00 |
UAE | $544.59 |
Vietnam | $70.00 |
Yemen | $120.00 |
For more information, contact the Certificates department at 202.454.0361 or email [email protected].
Not a PCPC member?
Join today to gain access to the certificates program and many other member benefits!