Exporting from India? Here’s How to Get a Free Sale Certificate

India’s export sector has seen remarkable growth, with total exports reaching a record US$824.9 billion in FY 2024-25. This makes international trade an exciting opportunity for businesses, but it also means navigating important regulations and certifications.

As a seller, managing budgets, operations, and customer orders is already challenging, and understanding export requirements can make it feel even more complex. One document that often plays a key role in this process is the Free Sale Certificate for Export (FSC).

For you’re running a company that sell regulated products, including food, cosmetics, and medical equipment, an FSC is your passport to overseas markets. Customs officials, importers, and international buyers often ask for it to ensure that your products are legally sold in India and safe to export. 

This guide will walk you through what FSC means, why it matters for your business, and how you can secure it efficiently, so you can confidently expand your products beyond your local market.

What Does a Free Sale Certificate Mean?

A Free Sale Certificate for Export, also known as a Certificate of Export or an International Government Certificate, is an official document confirming a product’s lawful sale and availability in its origin. It shows that the product is not restricted or prohibited for export and complies with local regulations. 

Without it, shipments can get delayed or even rejected, impacting your business reputation and profits. 

Which Authority Provide Free Sale Certificate in India?

In India, the Free Sale Certificate is issued by the Regional Authority (RA) of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for products not covered by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

For medical devices, the FSC is issued by the Central or State Licensing Authority (CLA/SLA) under CDSCO.

Which Key Documents Do Exporters Need for a Free Sale Certificate?

The following documents are required if you want to apply for a Free Sale Certificate:

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC): A mandatory 10-digit code for any business or individual exporting or importing goods/services from India.
• Receipts of Domestic Sales: Documentation verifying the product’s free sale in the local region.
• Manufacturing Licence: A valid licence from the relevant Indian regulatory authority.
• Export Order: Details of the confirmed export order.
• List of Products: A clear list of the products for which you request the certificate.
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List: Documents with goods, quantity, and packaging details. 
• Other Certifications: Produce certifications like FSSAI, etc., required to export the product. 

What Are the Steps To Successfully Apply for a Free Sale Certificate?

You can start by creating an account on the DGFT portal and then follow the given steps:

• Step 1: Go to the ‘Services’ section on the site, then open ‘Certificate Management’. Choose the ‘Free Sale and Commerce Certificate’ option. Then, click on ‘Apply’ to begin a new application.
• Step 2: Enter your IEC number, company name, contact information, and branch code. The RCMC details connected to your IEC will be filled in automatically.
• Step 3: In the application, specify the purpose of export and provide details of the products, manufacturer, and importer.
• Step 4: Submit your manufacturing licence, product approvals, proof of domestic sales, product list, and any other required certifications.
• Step 5: Sign the application with your digital signature certificate (DSC). Once signed, click Submit to transmit it to the DGFT. Then, use the DGFT’s online payment system to pay the necessary fees and receive the receipt.
• Step 6: After submitting, you will receive a file number and a confirmation message. 
• Step 7: Your application will be reviewed. If accepted, you can download the certificate directly from the site.

How Does a Free Sale Certificate Support eCommerce Export Growth? 

A Free Sale Certificate for Export is essential for exporters and supports growth in these key ways:

1. Regulatory Acceptance and Faster Market Access

Many countries require proof that your product is legally sold in India. An FSC helps you meet these requirements, avoiding lengthy approval procedures, speeding up market access, and reducing the risk of customs rejection.

2. Provides Credibility

FSC assures international buyers that your product is legal and compliant with Indian regulations. This builds trust, reduces doubts about authenticity, minimises disputes, and can also simplify customs requirements in importing countries.

3. Important in Regulated Sectors

FSC is often required for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, nutritional supplements, and food products. It confirms that your products meet health and safety standards and comply with regulations such as Good Manufacturing Practice and CE marking for medical devices. 

Why Choose ShiprocketX for Cross-Border Shipment Services?

If you’re running an online store, managing shipments can be time-consuming and costly. ShiprocketX helps simplify this by connecting you with multiple courier partners on a single platform, so you can easily compare rates and delivery times without spending hours contacting each courier.

We also help you automate tasks like printing labels, tracking deliveries in real time, managing bulk orders, and handling returns. This saves time, reduces errors, and ensures faster deliveries. 

With ShiprocketX, your supply chain becomes smoother, letting you focus on growing your business and reaching customers across India and abroad.

Conclusion

A Free Sale Certificate for Export does more than confirm that your products are legally sold in India. It ensures smoother cross-border trade, faster customs clearance, and builds trust with international buyers. Getting an FSC in advance can prevent shipment delays or rejections and helps your business expand confidently into global markets.

By securing an FSC in advance and ensuring it covers all your products, you can avoid shipment delays, rejections, and compliance issues, allowing your business to scale smoothly and deliver to customers on time.