Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) will only issue Certificates for products manufactured in Virginia.
Traditionally, Certificates of Free Sale are requested by foreign purchasers for items that are governed by a particular U.S. agency, such as the USDA, EPA or FDA. Depending on the nature of the product, a U.S. company must obtain a Certificate of Free Sale from the appropriate regulatory authority. When a governing body should issue a Certificate of Free Sale, VEDP WILL NOT issue one.
Sometimes, however, a manufacturer is requested to supply a Certificate of Free Sale for a product that is not governed by any regulatory agency. Though in theory this should not happen, if a U.S. company wants to sell to the foreign buyer, a Certificate of Free Sale must be supplied. There are also instances in which it would appear that a regulatory agency would/should issue a Certificate of Free Sale, however, based on a specific exclusion or other circumstance, they will not. In such cases, the VEDP may issue a Certificate of Free Sale. The issuance of Certificates of Free Sale will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Procedure for requesting a Certificate of Free Sale:
Hard copy on company letterhead requesting Certificate of Free Sale.
If applicable, proof in writing of denial of Certificate of Free Sale from regulatory agency indicating that they are unable to issue one in the event the product/s would normally be governed by such an agency.
List product or products.
List the country or countries to which the Certificate of Free Sale is being sent.
State how many certificates you are requesting.
State whether you want all products together on each certificate, or one product on a separate certificate.
Original label or labels for each product. If labeling is in a foreign language, we need the label/labels in English; the labels must be flat, do not send products with label applied.
Include COMPLETE contact information: Contact first and last name, e-mail address, phone number, business address and website URL.
The cost per Certificate is $20.00 for normal (three weeks) processing. If you need expedited (less than three weeks) processing, the cost per Certificate is $30.00. Submit check made payable to the VEDP.
Mail all submissions to:
Client Services Manager
Division of International Trade
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
P.O. Box 798
Richmond, VA 23218-0798
The Certificate of Free Sale is issued on certificate paper along with a golden foil Commonwealth of Virginia seal, and is notarized.
If you have any questions please feel free to call (804) 545-5764 or e-mail your questions to clientservices@yesvirginia.org.
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