Introduction

International trade opens the door to vast opportunities for exporters, but it also comes with the responsibility of meeting the legal and regulatory requirements of importing countries. Among the documents often required to prove a product’s legitimacy and regulatory approval is the Free Sale Certificate (FSC). This certificate serves as evidence that a product is legally sold in the exporter’s home country. In this article, we explain what a Free Sale Certificate is, why it matters in global trade, who issues it in India, and how exporters can obtain it through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Why Is a Free Sale Certificate Important in International Trade?

A Free Sale Certificate is a crucial document in international commerce for several reasons:

  1. Proof of Legal Sale: It confirms that the product is approved for sale in the exporting country and complies with national regulations.
  2. Assurance of Safety and Quality: Importing authorities rely on this certificate as confirmation that the product is considered safe for use or consumption in its country of origin.
  3. Faster Customs Processing: Presenting an FSC can reduce the risk of delays or detentions during customs clearance.
  4. Regulatory Requirement: For certain product categories—such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food items—many countries require an FSC as part of their import approval process.

Who Issues the Free Sale Certificate in India?

In India, the Free Sale Certificate is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The DGFT oversees export and import regulations and ensures compliance with trade policies nationwide.

Applications for the certificate are processed by the DGFT’s Regional Authorities (RAs), based on the exporter’s registered location. To make the process easier for exporters, the DGFT introduced changes in 2021, removing the compulsory submission of the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) and certain declarations, thereby simplifying and streamlining the application procedure.

What Is a Free Sale Certificate?

A Free Sale Certificate—sometimes referred to as a Certificate of Export—is an official document issued by a government authority in the exporting country. It confirms that the goods being exported are legally manufactured, marketed, and sold within the domestic market, without any legal restrictions.

This certificate is commonly required for products that are subject to strict regulatory oversight, such as:

  1. Medical devices

  2. Cosmetics

  3. Food and beverage products

  4. Nutraceuticals

  5. Biological and health-related products

It is important to note that a Free Sale Certificate does not serve as proof of a product’s safety, quality, or effectiveness. Rather, it simply verifies that the product is lawfully available for sale in its country of origin. Importing countries use this document as part of their regulatory checks before allowing products to enter their markets.

Benefits of a Free Sale Certificate

A Free Sale Certificate is an essential compliance document for exporters, especially those dealing in regulated products. It helps build credibility with overseas buyers and regulatory authorities while easing entry into international markets. Below are the key benefits of obtaining a Free Sale Certificate:

  1. Regulatory Recognition

The certificate reassures foreign regulatory agencies that the product meets the legal requirements of the exporting country and is lawfully sold there. This recognition often simplifies approval procedures in the importing country, reducing regulatory hurdles and strengthening confidence in the product’s compliance.

  1. Quicker Market Entry

With a Free Sale Certificate in place, exporters can avoid prolonged and complicated approval processes in foreign markets. Since the document confirms that the product is legally sold in India, it helps speed up market access and allows businesses to introduce their products internationally without unnecessary delays.

  1. Support for Global Expansion

Many countries require documented proof before allowing products to be sold within their borders. A Free Sale Certificate fulfills this requirement, enabling Indian exporters to enter new markets more easily and expand their global footprint.

  1. Hassle-Free Customs Clearance

Customs authorities often seek confirmation that imported goods are neither restricted nor prohibited. The Free Sale Certificate provides this assurance, helping shipments move through customs smoothly and reducing the risk of delays or inspections.

  1. Evidence of Business Legitimacy

In addition to validating the product, the certificate also confirms that the exporter operates as a legally recognized entity in India. This strengthens the exporter’s credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of international buyers and government authorities.

Documents Required to Obtain a Free Sale Certificate in India

To apply for a Free Sale Certificate in India, exporters must submit specific documents that confirm the product’s legal approval and the exporter’s compliance with Indian regulations. The commonly required documents include:

  1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC): A compulsory registration number issued by the DGFT to businesses involved in import and export activities. It serves as the exporter’s official identification for international trade.

  2. Valid Manufacturing License: Evidence that the products are legally manufactured under regulatory oversight. Depending on the nature of the product, this license may be issued by authorities such as the CDSCO, FSSAI, or the respective State Drug Control Department.

  3. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A valid DSC is required to submit the application online and to verify the exporter’s identity on the DGFT portal.

  4. Product Details List: A detailed list of all products for which the Free Sale Certificate is being requested, including product names, categories, and relevant batch or model details.
  5. Supporting Regulatory Certificates: Additional approvals relevant to the product category—such as FSSAI certification for food items or CDSCO approval for medical devices—must be provided to strengthen the application.

Process to Apply for a Free Sale Certificate in India

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) provides an entirely online system for applying for a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate. The step-by-step process below will help exporters complete their application smoothly and without confusion.

Step 1: Access the DGFT Portal

Visit the official DGFT website at dgft.gov.in and log in using your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and password. New users must first complete the registration process by entering their business details.

Step 2: Go to Certificate Management

After logging in, click on Services from the main menu. From the dropdown, select Certificate Management, then choose Free Sale and Commerce Certificate.

Step 3: Begin a New Application

Click on Apply to start a fresh application. If you previously saved a draft, you can reopen it and continue from where you left off.

Step 4: Enter Basic Application Details

  1. Fill in the required information, such as:
  2. IEC number
  3. Company name
  4. Registered address and contact details
  5. Branch code (if applicable)
  6. Some fields may be automatically filled based on your IEC profile. Verify all details carefully before proceeding.

Step 5: Provide Export Purpose and Product Information

Under Purpose of Items Exported under Certificate, mention the reason for export and the destination country. Add detailed product information, including formulation, manufacturing method, and intended use.

Step 6: Add Exporter and Importer Details

  1. Enter details related to:
  2. Products being exported
  3. Manufacturer information (name, address, and license number)
  4. Importer or buyer details in the importing country
  5. Providing complete and accurate information helps authorities assess the application faster.

Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload clear, scanned copies of all required documents in PDF format. Ensure that file size and format comply with DGFT guidelines. Common documents include manufacturing licenses, product lists, and relevant regulatory approvals.

Step 8: Complete Declaration and Digital Signature

Review the entire application and submit the declaration confirming that the information provided is correct. Use your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign the application electronically.

Step 9: Submit Application and Make Payment

Once digitally signed, submit the application. You will be redirected to the payment gateway to pay the applicable fee using net banking, UPI, or a debit card. After payment, download and save the receipt.

Step 10: Track Application Status and Download Certificate

After submission, an acknowledgement with a unique file number will be generated. Use this number to track your application status on the DGFT portal. Once approved, the Free Sale Certificate will be issued electronically and can be downloaded directly.

Free Sale Certificate and E-Commerce Exporters

The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce has encouraged many Indian sellers to offer their products to customers around the world. Platforms such as Amazon Global Selling have made international expansion easier, but exporters must still comply with the import regulations of destination countries. In many cases, these regulations include the requirement for a Free Sale Certificate.

Through Amazon’s Global Selling program, Indian businesses can:

  1. List and sell products across more than 18 international Amazon marketplaces
  2. Choose between the Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) models
  3. Receive assistance with logistics, customs procedures, compliance requirements, and product listings
  4. Showcase authentic “Made in India” products to a global customer base

Exporters using such e-commerce platforms are often supported throughout the regulatory and documentation process. This includes guidance on obtaining a Free Sale Certificate promptly, helping ensure smooth customs clearance and uninterrupted international shipments.

CorpZo FAQ.

Questions 1. Free Sale Certificate: Meaning, Benefits & Online Process in India

Answers:- A Free Sale Certificate (FSC) is an official document issued by Indian authorities confirming that a product is legally manufactured and freely sold in India. Exporters need it to prove product authenticity in foreign markets.
Benefits include smoother customs clearance, global acceptance, and regulatory trust.
The online process involves application submission, document upload, verification, and certificate issuance through the concerned authority.

Questions 2. What is a Free Sale Certificate and Why Exporters Need It?

Answers:- A Free Sale Certificate certifies that goods sold in India comply with domestic laws and are approved for sale. Exporters need it because many importing countries demand this certificate to ensure product safety, quality, and legal compliance before allowing imports.

Questions 3. Free Sale Certificate in India: Documents, Fees & Timeline

Answers:- Documents required usually include business registration, product details, manufacturing license, and test reports (if applicable). Fees vary depending on the product category and issuing authority. The timeline generally ranges from 7 to 15 working days, subject to document verification.

Questions 4. How to Get a Free Sale Certificate Online with CorpZo

Answers:- With CorpZo, the Free Sale Certificate process is simple and hassle-free. You share your business and product details, CorpZo handles documentation, authority coordination, and follow-ups, ensuring fast and compliant certificate issuance without delays.

Questions 5. Free Sale Certificate for Export: Complete Compliance Guide

Answers:- For export, a Free Sale Certificate ensures that your products meet Indian regulatory standards and are approved for international trade. It supports compliance with importing country laws, reduces rejection risks, and builds credibility with overseas buyers.

Questions 6. Free Sale Certificate Explained: Eligibility & Application Steps

Answers:- Eligibility includes registered manufacturers, exporters, and traders selling compliant products in India.
Application steps include preparing documents, filing the application online, authority review, and certificate approval after verification.

Questions 7. Free Sale Certificate for Indian Manufacturers & Exporters

Answers:- Indian manufacturers and exporters use the Free Sale Certificate to expand into global markets. It acts as proof of product legality and quality, helping businesses gain trust, meet export regulations, and grow international sales smoothly.