Many overseas markets require UK exporters to provide official documentation confirming that their products comply with UK standards and are legally available for sale in the UK. The most common document requested for this purpose is a Certificate of Free Sale. In a number of markets - particularly in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America - that certificate must also be apostilled before it will be accepted by the importing authority.

What a Certificate of Free Sale is

A Certificate of Free Sale is an official document confirming that a product can be freely sold in the UK market and complies with relevant UK regulations. For food and agricultural products, it is issued by the Rural Payments Agency, part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. For cosmetics, medical devices and certain other regulated products, the issuing authority varies - including the MHRA for medical devices. Always confirm which body issues the certificate for your specific product before applying.

When the certificate can go straight to the FCDO

If your Certificate of Free Sale bears a wet ink signature from an official of the issuing authority, or carries an official embossed seal, it can generally be submitted directly to the FCDO for apostille. An e-Apostille may also be available for electronically issued certificates in some cases. If the certificate does not carry a verifiable signature or seal - which is increasingly the case with electronically issued certificates - it must first be certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public before FCDO submission.

Countries that also require Embassy Attestation

For Hague Apostille Convention member countries, the apostille is the final step. For non-Hague markets - which include several major export destinations in the Gulf and elsewhere - embassy attestation is required after the apostille has been obtained. Requirements vary significantly by country and by product type, so always confirm the full legalisation chain required by the importing authority before starting the process.

Plan ahead - export timelines can be tight

Legalisation adds time to your export documentation process. Standard FCDO postal processing takes around ten working days at £45 per document, and embassy attestation adds further time. If you are working to an import deadline or a shipment date, factor in the full legalisation chain from the outset.

Speak to our team

Our team can advise on the correct legalisation route for your Certificate of Free Sale and manage the apostille and attestation process. Call us on +44 204 646 9400 to discuss your requirements.