The UK Department for Business and Trade issues a range of official documents that businesses and exporters may need to legalise for use abroad - including export support letters, trade certificates, certificates of origin and various regulatory documents. Depending on the format of the document, it may go directly to the FCDO for apostille or require an additional step first.
What the Department for Business and Trade issues
DBT - formerly the Department for International Trade - issues documents that are used in international trade, export licensing, foreign direct investment and trade compliance. These include certificates supporting export applications, letters confirming UK regulatory standing, and trade-related supporting documents. Overseas customs authorities, foreign investment bodies and regulators may request that these documents carry an FCDO apostille before they will accept them.
Direct submission where the document carries official marks
A DBT document bearing a wet-ink signature from an authorised official, or a wet-ink or embossed seal with an issue date, can be submitted directly to the FCDO for apostille. The FCDO authenticates the wet-ink signature, seal or stamp on the document.
Electronically issued documents
Where a DBT document has been issued electronically - as a PDF or digital file - and does not carry a wet-ink signature or seal, it must first be certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public before the FCDO will accept it. The solicitor examines the document, certifies it as a genuine DBT-issued document, and applies their own wet-ink signature, seal or stamp. The FCDO then authenticates the solicitor's certification.
e-Apostille availability
Where a DBT document has been electronically signed using a verifiable digital signature, the e-Apostille service may be available. This allows faster processing without a physical paper apostille. Whether the e-Apostille route applies to a specific document depends on the format in which it was issued and whether the receiving authority abroad will accept an electronic apostille.
Non-Hague destinations
For Hague Apostille Convention member countries, the apostille is the final step. For countries outside the Convention, embassy attestation in London is required after the apostille. Call our team on +44 204 646 9400 to confirm the correct route for your specific document and destination.