Overview
A Free Sale Certificate (FSC), also known as Free Sales Registration, is an official document issued by Indian authorities certifying that a product is legally manufactured and freely sold in the domestic Indian market. This certificate is commonly required for exporting products to foreign countries and for obtaining international regulatory approvals.
Free Sale Certificates are widely used for products such as cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food items, herbal products, and industrial goods. At Adviso Compliance, we provide complete Free Sale Certificate services with accurate documentation, authority coordination, and timely issuance.
What is a Free Sale Certificate?
A Free Sale Certificate is a government-issued document that confirms:
The product is legally manufactured in India
The product complies with applicable Indian laws
The product is freely sold in the Indian market without restrictions
Foreign regulatory authorities often require this certificate to ensure that the product is safe, compliant, and approved in its country of origin.
Who Needs a Free Sale Certificate?
Free Sale Certificates are required by businesses involved in:
Export of cosmetic products
Export of pharmaceuticals and drugs
Export of medical devices
Export of food and beverages
Export of herbal and AYUSH products
Export of industrial or consumer goods
Businesses applying for international product approvals
If you plan to export regulated products, an FSC is often mandatory.
Why Free Sale Certificate is Important
Free Sale Certificate plays a crucial role in international trade for the following reasons:
Mandatory for product exports to many countries
Required for overseas regulatory approvals
Confirms product compliance and safety
Builds trust with foreign buyers and authorities
Helps smooth customs clearance
Prevents export delays or rejection
Without an FSC, products may be rejected by importing countries.
Issuing Authorities for Free Sale Certificate
The authority issuing the Free Sale Certificate depends on the product category, such as:
Drug Control Department (for drugs & cosmetics)
CDSCO (for medical devices & pharmaceuticals)
Food Safety Authority (for food products)
Export Promotion Councils
State or Central Government Authorities
Our experts identify the correct issuing authority for your product.
Products Covered Under Free Sale Certificate
Free Sale Certificates can be issued for a wide range of products, including:
Cosmetic products
Pharmaceutical formulations
Medical devices
Food and beverage products
Herbal and AYUSH products
Chemicals and industrial goods
Consumer products
Each product category has its own documentation and compliance requirements.
Documents Required for Free Sale Certificate
The documents required may vary depending on product type, but generally include:
Business registration certificate
Manufacturing license (if applicable)
Product details and specifications
Product labels and packaging details
Test reports and compliance certificates
GST registration
Exporter details and declarations
Our team at Adviso Compliance ensures all documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
Free Sale Certificate Application Process
We follow a structured and transparent process:
Step 1: Product & Authority Assessment
We identify the product category and applicable issuing authority.
Step 2: Document Preparation
All required documents are compiled and verified as per regulations.
Step 3: Application Filing
The FSC application is submitted to the concerned authority.
Step 4: Verification
Authorities review product compliance and documentation.
Step 5: Certificate Issuance
After approval, the Free Sale Certificate is issued.
Validity of Free Sale Certificate
Free Sale Certificates are usually issued for a specific period
Validity may vary depending on authority and product category
Renewal may be required for continued exports
We assist with renewal and re-issuance when required.
Common Mistakes in Free Sale Certificate Application
Delays or rejection often occur due to:
Incorrect product classification
Missing compliance certificates
Improper labeling details
Incomplete documentation
With Adviso Compliance, these issues are minimized through expert handling.
Why Choose Adviso Compliance for Free Sale Certificate?
Experienced export compliance professionals
Accurate documentation and filing
Authority coordination and follow-ups
Fast processing and timely issuance
Transparent pricing
PAN-India service support
We also assist with related export registrations and licenses.
Post-Certificate Support
After receiving the Free Sale Certificate, we also help with:
Export documentation guidance
Regulatory compliance for destination country
Certificate re-issuance and updates
Coordination with foreign authorities
FAQs – Free Sale Certificate
Many countries require an FSC for regulated products. It is strongly recommended for smooth exports.
Processing time usually ranges from 7–20 working days, depending on authority.
Yes, FSC is product-specific and issued separately for different products.
Traders may apply, but manufacturing details and approvals are required.
Yes, renewal may be required based on validity and authority rules.