What is a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) ?

Kevin @Amabelle

Last updated: 29 Apr 2025

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In today's rapidly growing cosmetic and skincare industry, exporting products to international markets has become an important avenue for business expansion and creating new opportunities for manufacturers and distributors. However, exporting is not easy, as there are regulations that must be followed, especially when it comes to obtaining a Free Sale Certificate, also known as the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS), which is a crucial document for product exportation worldwide.

In this article, we will help you understand what the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is, why it is important, and why cosmetic and skincare businesses need this document when expanding into international markets.

What is the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)?
It is a document issued by the relevant authorities in the country of origin (such as the Ministry of Commerce or the Food and Drug Administration) to confirm that the product can be legally sold in the country of origin without any special restrictions or controls by the authorities. The issuing authority is typically responsible for overseeing the production and sale of cosmetic and skincare products.

The Free Sale Certificate is important in the export process, as the destination country may request this document to verify that the product is not listed as prohibited or requiring special approval.

Why do cosmetic and skincare businesses need the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)?
1. Build Confidence with Customers and International Markets Having a Free Sale Certificate assures partners and consumers in international markets that your product has been approved by the relevant authorities in the country of origin and is legally permitted for sale
2. Inspection by Authorities in the Destination Country Many countries require exporters to submit a Free Sale Certificate to import cosmetic and skincare products. Without this document, your product may face delays or barriers in being imported.
3. Increase Opportunities for Market Expansion If your company is looking to expand into new markets, having a Free Sale Certificate helps streamline the approval process from the authorities in those countries, making the export process smoother and faster.

Example of Using the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) in the Cosmetics Business
Suppose you are a company that manufactures cosmetics, such as a facial cream, and want to expand your market to Japan, which has strict regulations regarding the importation of cosmetic products. In this case, Japan may request you to provide a Free Sale Certificate to verify that your product has been approved by the relevant authorities in Thailand and is legally allowed to be sold in the country of origin. Without this document, the importation of your product may be blocked.

Why is the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) Important for the Cosmetics Business?

The Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is a crucial document for exporting cosmetic and skincare products to international markets. It ensures that your export process is smooth and that the products are legally certified in the country of origin. Having a Free Sale Certificate not only boosts confidence among your international partners and customers, but also serves as a tool that enables faster and more efficient expansion into new markets.

If you are looking to expand your cosmetic and skincare business internationally or want a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) to enhance the credibility of your brand, you can contact us for a Free consultation with no cost involved. We have a professional R&D team that will assist you from the start. Our factory meets GHPs/ FDA standards, and the minimum order quantity for production starts from just 100 pieces!