Title
Certificate of Free Sale for exports needs notarised translation and embassy authentication outside English-speaking markets The certificate proves that a product is freely sold in its country of manufacture, and importing countries ask for it when approving or registering the product.
- Related countries
- 가나
Content
Apostille Korea said it supports exporters with the translation, notarisation, ministry authentication and embassy authentication of a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) in a single process. The certificate is required by importing countries when they review an import permit or product registration. For markets that do not accept an English-language certificate, it must be translated into the local language, notarised and then authenticated.
- A Certificate of Free Sale attests that a product is freely sold within its country of manufacture.
- In Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issues it for hygiene products, while other items are handled by the relevant ministry or trade association.
- The format is largely at the applicant's discretion, but the company name and address are mandatory and must match across the related documents, along with the legal representative's name.
- Countries that do not accept an English certificate require translation into the local language, notarisation of the translation, an apostille or consular legalisation, and embassy authentication.
What the certificate is
A Certificate of Free Sale attests that the product concerned is freely sold within its country of manufacture. Importing countries frequently ask for it when reviewing an import permit or a product registration. The format is mostly at the applicant's discretion, but basic information such as the company name and address must be entered without fail. The content of the letter of authorisation, the outer packaging, the certificate and the consignment contract must not contradict one another, and the company name, address and legal representative's name must match. In Korea the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issues the certificate for hygiene products, while other items fall to the relevant ministry or trade association.
How the process differs by destination
The certificate can be issued in English as well as in Korean. Where the destination country accepts an English-language certificate, no separate notarisation is needed. In non-English-speaking markets, however, the document must be translated into the local language and the translation notarised. It then passes through an apostille or consular legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where required, authentication by that country's embassy before it can be used locally. Vietnam depends on imports for more than 90 percent of its medical device supply, and enquiries from Korean firms preparing to export there have increased. Apostille Korea advised exporters to confirm first which language the destination country requires, and to prepare the procedure accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a Certificate of Free Sale issued?
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issues it for hygiene products; other items are handled by the relevant ministry or trade association.
If it is issued in English, is notarisation unnecessary?
In countries that accept an English-language certificate, no separate notarisation is needed. Countries that do not accept it require translation into the local language and notarisation of that translation.
How far does the authentication go?
After notarisation of the translation, the document goes through an apostille or consular legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where required, authentication at the relevant embassy.
Source: 이투뉴스 · 2019-05-08