What is a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate? - An Overview
A Free Sale and Commerce Certificate provide assurance to the importing country about the status and quality of imported goods. It is issued in the Exporting country by a national regulatory authority of the country. In India, it is issued by DGFT and is also known as a certificate of export or Certificate to Foreign Governments.
A Free Sale and Commerce certificate certifies that the export goods listed in the certificate are freely sold and consumed in their country of origin and approved for export. It is issued to the export of items that are not covered under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, have usage in Nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals for medical and surgical purposes, and are not prohibited for export.
There are two categories under which Certificate is issued –
- Certificate for the products related to Medical Devices/Instruments
- Certificate for the products not related to Medical Devices/Instruments
Purpose to obtain a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate
Obtaining a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate is a fundamental task for manufacturers who wish to foray into markets other than their country of origin if the exporting country asks for it.
Free Sale and Commerce Certificate is crucial for following reasons for the manufacturers going International with their goods -
- For verification of Manufacturer
A Free Sale and Commerce Certificate is definitive proof that the manufacturer contains a valid manufacturing license.
- For the verification of products
Importing countries want to maintain a strict level of safety and security in their country. Therefore, they won’t allow the use of products from a manufacturer that can’t furnish proof that certain exporting products are authorized to be used in its country of origin.
- To Verify Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Compliance
A free Sale Certificate is also authentication of the fact that the export goods in question comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines of International trade.
Validity and Government fee to obtain the Certificate?
The Certificate is valid for 2 years after issuance and the applicant shall be required to pay Rs 1000/- as a Government fee on the DGFT website to obtain it.
Documents Required to obtain Free Sale and Commerce Certificate
The following documents have to be arranged before proceeding with the application procedure.
- A valid copy of the IEC copy and RCMC copy.
- Valid manufacturing licenses.
- The product permission letters of the requested products for the issue of the Free Sale Certificate.
- List of export products for which Free Sale Certificate are required.
- Letter of the concerned authority-demanding certificate.
- Copy of the power of attorney/authorization letter.
Pre requisite for the application to get Free Sale Certificate
For the Free Sale and Commerce Certificate following requirements are there before proceeding with the application –
- Profile on DGFT portal has to be linked with active Import – Export Code.
- A valid Digital token has to be created in the system; the same can be verified from My Dashboard.
- An RCMC has to be issued to the IEC.
How to apply for a Free Sale Certificate online in India?
- Applicant details –This is the first tab and would contain all the basic details such as Application for, IEC number and Name, Email ID, RCMC details would be Auto Populated. All the other required details have to be filled on this page.
- Details of Items exported under the certificate – DGFT doesn't issue license for items of export that falls under Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940. Exporter has to fill all the required details of items to be exported such as HSN and product description etc.
- Attachment Tab – In the attachment section, the scan copy of documents has to be attached.
- Declaration Tab – Read the terms and conditions carefully accept them before submitting the application.
- Summary and Submission – On Summary page the complete information filled in previous screen can be viewed,Click on sign button attaching the Digital token to sign the application.After signing submit the application on same page.
Where can I view my approved Free Sale and Commerce Certificates?
To get an approved certificate follow the following procedures –
- Select Submitted applications from my dashboard.
- Enter Type of Scheme - Certificate Management and type of Sub Scheme.
- Click on Search & Click on Action.
- View Approved Licenses.
How Afleo can help you to get a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate?
At Afleo we follow a very unique methodology for obtaining A Free Sale and Commerce Certificate. We have helped hundreds of the company to get the certificate at an affordable cost. Our dedicated team of experts helps in simplifying the following procedure to obtain the Free Sale and Commerce Certificate -
- Assistance in Error-free Documentation,
- Online application to get the Certificate,
- Follow up with the DGFT if required.
- Complete assistance would be given in exporting process of clients after obtaining the Certificate.
FAQ's
A Free Sale Commerce Certificate is a certificate issued by the ministry of commerce and industry of India on the basis of national legislation stating that the goods is freely available in the country but without any confirmation that the export goods are tested for safety and effectiveness and is licensed for use in the country.
Yes, it gets expired after 2 years from the issuance date.
In India Free Sale and Commerce Certificate is issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The online application has to be done on the DGFT portal to get a Free Sale Certificate.
Yes multiple export goods can be exported under one Free Sale Commerce Certificate.
Rs 1000/- shall be required to be paid online to get Certificate on DGFT portal.
The Free Sale and Commerce certificate is valid for 2 years.
There is no provision for extension of certificate validity or time limit available for exports; it is issued only for 2 years.
Modification/Amendment to an issued Certificate is not permitted; instead a fresh application can be done if exporter wishes to get amended Certificate of Free Sale and Commerce Certificate.
Why Afleo Consultants?
- We are the team of highly qualified & experienced professionals having sufficient expertise over the years in the field of DGFT Consultancy Services.
- We only have the goal of providing very reliable services with the most competitive cost to the exporters under one roof.
- We keep updating our clients with regular policy amendments, all the upcoming rules, and regulations in foreign trade policy.
- We have a separate team for follow up with DGFT and have a great understanding of the working of DGFT office, which helps us in obtaining MEIS licenses without delay.
Recent Updates
- 28th April 2020 as per the notification 7/2020-2021:Clarification with respect to an application for Free Sale and Commerce certificate- The export firms are advised to send their applications for grant of Free Sale and Commerce Certificate at the official email ID of the concerned RA as per the format given in ANF 2H due to RAs are working with skeletal staff leading to delays in the issuance of the certificate.
Insights
Our presence on Youtube
