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Certificate for Free Sale

A Certificate of Free Sale, often called “Certificate for Export” or “Certificate to Foreign Governments,” is a certificate used as evidence that goods such as food items, cosmetics, biologics, or medical devices are legally sold or distributed in the open market and approved by regulatory authorities within the United States. This certificate is required by certain countries to demonstrate that your product is eligible for export. Below you will find a complete resource list designed to help you obtain your specific certificate.

Food Products - For MDARD License Holders

Animal Feed Products - For MDARD License Holders

Fertilizer - For MDARD License Holders

Food & Agriculture Products Licensed by Other States

FDA Issued Certificates

The following certificates are for exporting specialized food and cosmetic products. Certificates may be issued by the FDA and applications are available through the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Export Certification Application and Tracking System (CFSAN eCATS). Step-by-step instructions are available for accessing CFSAN eCATS and creating applications. For more information on each, visit the FDA’s Food Export Certificates guide.

  • Certificate to a Foreign Government: export certificate for conventional foods, food additives, food contact substances, and infant formula that meet applicable requirements of the FD&C Act for marketing within the U.S.
  • Certificate of Exportability: conventional foods, food additives, food contact substances, and infant formula that CANNOT be marketed in the U.S. but meet requirements of section 801(e) of the FD&C Act and can legally be exported.
  • Certificate of Free Sale: dietary supplements, medical foods, and foods for special dietary use.
  • Certificate for Cosmetics: products that meet the definition of a cosmetic under section 201(i) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 3 21(i)). Not issued for cosmetics with drugs claims, such as acne cleansers.

Non-Food Products - Not Regulated by the FDA

Questions? Contact the International Marketing Program staff at MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov.