Applying for a free sale certificate (FSC)
Do you export products to non-EU/non-EEA countries? For some products you need a free sale certificate (FSC) to do so.
What is a free sale certificate?
A free sale certificate states that your products comply with EU law and may be sold within the EU and European Economic Area (EEA). You often need this export declaration to gain market access in a non-EEA country.
When do I need a free sale certificate?
You need a FSC when you want to export:
- foodstuffs
- non-food products
- animal feed
You can use the EU's Access2Markets database to find out if you need a free sale certificate for export outside the EU.
Where to apply for a free sale certificate?
You can apply for an FSC in the Netherlands with the following organisations:
Animal feed, food products and non-food products
You apply for a free sale certificate for animal feed (in Dutch) to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (Nederlandse Voedsel en Warenautoriteit, NVWA). The NVWA also issues export certificates for food and non-food products (in Dutch).
Pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and animal medication
- You also apply to Farmatec for free sale certificates for medical devices. You must include a number of documents with your application.
- You apply for export certificates for animal medication to the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG-MEB)
Plant protection products and biocides
You apply for an export certificate for plant protection products and biocides to the Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (College voor de toelating van gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en biociden, CTGB)