Certificate of Free Sale / Manufacturer’s Declaration Authentication and Legalization
- Fast authentication service → 1-3 days
- Easy to follow process with up to date step-by-step document tracking
- Great prices starting at just $90
Free Expert Document Review
Certificate of Free Sale Authentication in Canada
A Canadian certificate of free sale must first be authenticated and legalized before it can be used outside of Canada.
Some foreign countries may ask for a certificate of free sale apostille or an attestation. Canada cannot issue apostilles, but authentication and legalization are acceptable alternatives to both an apostille and an attestation.
In this guide, you can find information on the certificate of the free sale authentication process in Canada, including a step-by-step guide on preparing and submitting your documents.
Certificate of Free Sale vs Manufacturer’s Declaration
Before we go into the authentication process, it’s good to know that as of January 15th, 2019, the Manufacturer’s Declaration Form was discontinued and replaced with the Certificate of Free Sale. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issues a Certificate of Free Sale (CFIA/ACIA 5786) when a certificate or commercial document is needed for export. This certificate can only be issued to food companies licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). You can apply for a license on the My CFIA page.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the difference between the two forms, let’s move on to a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your certificate of free sale for use abroad.
Certificate of Free Sale Apostille, Authentication or Attestation Canada: The Process
Once you have your certificate of free sale in hand, authenticating it is a two-step process:
- Document Authentication
- Document Legalization
Certificate of Free Sale Authentication
Before you start the authentication process, it’s advisable to get in touch with the foreign authority where you’re submitting the certificate of free sale. Ask if they require an authentication and legalization, any other accompanying documentation and/or a translation.
Once you’ve confirmed this, it’s time to submit your certificate of free sale to Global Affairs Canada Ottawa for authentication. There is no need to notarize a certificate of free sale.
Global Affairs Canada can authenticate an original certificate of free sale that has a signature that is verifiable, and is not glued, laminated or covered by any substance that makes it difficult to stamp. Global Affairs Canada can also authenticate other CFIA attestations or certificates, including export certificates, certified manufacturer’s declarations, health attestations, and animal health certificates.
Authentications are done by mail – in person appointments at Global Affairs Canada are not possible. Mailing details are available on Global Affairs Canada’s website. At this point in the process, you have the option to request Global Affairs Canada to forward your documents directly to an Embassy for legalization rather than send them back to you.
If you choose this option, get in touch with the Embassy or Consulate before you mail your documents to Global Affairs Canada. Failure to follow Global Affairs Canada’s or the Embassy’s instructions may result in your certificate of free sale being returned to you without having been legalized.
Certificate of Free Sale Legalization
The final step in this process is legalization and this is done by the Embassy of the country you’re exporting to. A number of embassies ask for supporting documents to process your request. These may include a cover letter, an application form, a copy of your ID or passport, other supporting business documents and, in some cases, a translation. Specific requirements vary from one Embassy to another.
Our simple 4-step process helps you authenticate and legalize your Canadian documents in a fast & easy manner.
Start by calling us at 1-855-700-5840 or requesting a quote online. We’ll get back to you in 1 hour.
Not sure if your documents meet the requirements for authentication and legalisation? 👇
Reach out to our experts and receive a Free Document Evaluation.
Once you receive a quote and select a time frame that works best for you. We’ll provide you with a final price and help you prepare your documents. When your ready ship your documents to our office in Ottawa: 1103-467 Laurier West, Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1R 5C7.
We recommend that you use a secure, prepaid and tracked courier service for sending your documents.
Have any questions? Feel free to call us at 1-855-700-5840
After receiving your documents we will take care of the rest. We will make sure your documents get authenticated and legalized within your requested time frame.
Want to stay updated throughout the whole process?
Check out Document Authentication Canada’s Document Tracking System.
…and that’s it! After completing the document authentication and legalization process, we will send your documents using the shipping method of your choice.
Remember: With Document Authentication Canada you only pay at the end, once your documents have been completely authenticated and legalized.
Free Expert
Document Review!
Quick Canada Certificate of Free Sale Authentication
Get your documents authenticated now!
Save up to 21 Business days. Request a quote and get a free expert document evaluation today!
