In this issue, SITPRO’s Helpdesk Manager, Aileen Prendergast, explains where to obtain a Certificate of Free Sale.
Q. Our customer has asked us to provide a Certificate of Free Sale. What is this and how do we obtain such a document?
A. Certificates of Free Sale are required by many overseas countries for the importation of various consumer products such as food, cosmetics and medicines. Their purpose is to prove that the goods are sold in the domestic market and therefore comply with national standards. In the UK different government departments issue Certificates of Free Sale depending on the category of product. The exporter is asked to complete an application form and provide documentary evidence with regard to contents of the product and availability in the domestic market. For further details please contact:
- DTI, Queensway House, Billingham - tel: 01642 364331 for cosmetics, detergents and cleaners, disinfectants etc.
- The Rural Payments Agency, Lancaster House, Newcastle upon Tyne - tel: 0191 2265111;
email: certificatesofFreesale@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
for manufactured foods, health food
supplements, tea, coffee, herbs and spices, milk products and alcoholic drinks etc and
additionally pet foods and animal feeding stuffs etc. - The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Market Towers, London SW8 -
tel: 020 7084 2593; email: exports@mhra.gsi.gov.uk for medicinal products.
If you need help with a trade procedures query, call Aileen at the SITPRO Helpdesk on
020 7215 8150 or aileen.prendergast@sitpro.org.uk .
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 56, Spring 2006