Certificate of Free Sale
Fast and Efficient Notarisation & Apostille for Certificates of Free Sale
If you’re planning to export goods, you may need to have your Certificate of Free Sale notarised and apostilled. At Wharf Notaries, our team of skilled professionals is ready to assist you in authenticating your document. Learn more about what a Certificate of Free Sale is and how we can guide you through the process of legalising this important document.
What Is a Certificate of Free Sale?
A Certificate of Free Sale verifies that products such as plants, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices can be sold in foreign markets. Issued by the UK Government, it confirms that products comply with regulations but does not endorse the products. Many countries require this certificate before allowing imports.
The certificate may include details about the manufacturer, exporter, and distributor, though this is optional. It typically contains a certificate number, order date, expiry date, and a list of products. Issued in electronic format by the MHRA, it is necessary for exporting goods to international markets, especially for regulatory compliance.
Why You Might Need Notarisation and an Apostille for a Certificate of Free Sale
If your company is involved in importing and exporting goods in international markets, obtaining notarisation and an apostille for your Certificate of Free Sale may be necessary. A notary public will verify the authenticity of the Certificate of Free Sale with the relevant authority, such as the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA for medical products, and notarise the document for international use if required.
An apostille certificate authenticates the notarised Certificate of Free Sale for use abroad, confirming its legitimacy to authorities in other countries. The Hague Convention of 1961 introduced apostille stamps, and they are accepted by over 120 member countries. If the Certificate of Free Sale is for use in a non-Hague country, further legalisation by the country’s embassy may be needed.
What Documents Are Required When Applying for an Apostille Certificate?
To obtain an apostille for a Certificate of Free Sale, you will need the original email from the MHRA that includes the Certificate of Free Sale as a PDF attachment.
Process for Notarising and Apostilling a Certificate of Free Sale
To obtain an apostille, your Certificate of Free Sale must be submitted to the FCDO for legalisation. Wharf Notaries provides a streamlined service to handle this process for you, offering both standard and premium same-day apostille options for your convenience.
Here’s how we assist:
- Get in Touch: Contact us to discuss your requirements and complete our client registration form. We will guide you through the identification and verification process.
- Submit Your Documentation: Send us the original email from the MHRA that includes the Certificate of Free Sale in PDF format.
- Verification and Notarisation: Our team will verify the authenticity of your Certificate of Free Sale with the MHRA. One of our notaries will then notarise the document if required.
- Apostille Service: We will submit your notarised document to the FCDO for apostille, using our Premium or Standard service based on your needs.
- Final Delivery: After legalisation, we will provide a PDF scan of your document. You can collect the original from our office, have it mailed to a UK address, or arrange international delivery via DHL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Certificate of Free Sale
Why do I need my Certificate of Free Sale notarised?
Notarisation is often required for the Certificate of Free Sale when it will be used internationally. A notary public verifies the document’s authenticity, providing assurance to foreign entities that the certificate is valid.
What is an apostille, and why is it necessary?
An apostille is an official government certification that authenticates a document for use in another country. It confirms that the Certificate of Free Sale has been notarised and is accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
What documents do I need to provide for the apostille process?
To obtain an apostille for your Certificate of Free Sale, you will need to provide the original email from the MHRA that includes the Certificate of Free Sale as a PDF attachment.
How long does the notarisation and apostille process take?
We offer a premium same-day apostille service for urgent requests and a standard service that typically takes 3-5 working days. The timeframe may vary depending on the specific requirements of your request.
Can I track the status of my notarisation and apostille application?
Yes, we will keep you updated throughout the process and notify you once your notarisation and apostille have been completed.
What if the country I’m exporting to is not a member of the Hague Convention?
If you plan to use your Certificate of Free Sale in a non-Hague Convention country, it will require further legalisation by that country’s embassy or consulate after obtaining the apostille.
How can I collect my notarised Certificate of Free Sale?
Once the process is complete, you can collect your document from our office free of charge, have it mailed to a UK address, or arrange for international courier delivery via DHL.
Contact Us Today for Certificate of Free Sale Notarisation and Apostille Services
If you need assistance notarising or apostilling your Certificate of Free Sale, Wharf Notaries is here to help. Our experienced team offers fast, reliable services tailored to your business needs. Contact us today to get started!