Guide
How to Get an FDA Export Certificate (CFG, CPP or Free Sale)
Which FDA export certificate you need — Certificate to Foreign Government, Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product or Certificate of Free Sale — and how exporters request it.
Quick answer
The exporting firm requests it from the FDA through the FDA’s export-certification system for the relevant product center. Which certificate you need depends on the product and your facility’s status: a CPP for human drugs, a Certificate to Foreign Government for many devices and other products, a Certificate of Free Sale for categories like foods and cosmetics, or a Certificate of Exportability for products not approved for U.S. sale.
On this page
Which certificate
| Certificate | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) | Human drugs, WHO format; expires after two years |
| Certificate to Foreign Government | Products legally marketed in the U.S. |
| Certificate of Free Sale | Foods, supplements, cosmetics and similar |
| Certificate of Exportability | Products not approved for U.S. marketing but exportable |
Step by step
Confirm the certificate with the importer
Ask the foreign regulator or importer which certificate they require.
Apply through the FDA
Submit through the export-certification system for the product center, with facility and product details.
Pay the fee
Fees vary by certificate and center.
Check the destination’s route
Many export markets are non-Hague and need embassy legalization on top of authentication.
When you’ll need it abroad
- Registering a product with a foreign regulator
- Clearing imports at customs
- Government tenders and procurement
- Distributor and licensing agreements
Troubleshooting
The FDA won't issue a CFG
A CFG may require applicable facility compliance; a Certificate of Exportability or other certificate may apply instead.
The CPP expired
Request a new one — CPPs last two years.
The importer wants their product name on it
Foreign brand names can often be listed — include them in the application.
The market is non-Hague
Plan embassy legalization, which adds time.
Next: getting it apostilled
Once you have the document, it needs authentication before a foreign authority will accept it. See how to apostille it. Our price is $299 per document for Hague Convention countries and $399 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, with government fees included.
Frequently asked questions
Who can request an FDA export certificate?
The exporting manufacturer or distributor.
How long is a CPP valid?
Two years from issuance.
Which certificate do I need?
It depends on product type and facility status — confirm with the importer before applying.
Can one certificate cover several products?
Often yes, within the certificate's rules — ask the FDA center.
Who pays the FDA fee?
The requesting exporter.
Sources: U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Hague Conference — Apostille Section · FDA — Export certificates. Federal Apostille USA is a private service, not a government agency.
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.