Food
(CFSAN ECATS)

  • What are FDA export certificates and why do I need one?
    • When exporting food products to foreign countries or businesses, firms are often asked to provide a certificate for products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even though the product is listed on the certificate, the FDA has the right to take appropriate action if the product later is not up to the proper standards. The FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) issues the Certificate to Foreign Government that is required by most countries if exporting food products to them.

  • Where do I find information concerning foreign country’s requirements for food exportation?
    • It is your responsibility to know the regulations required in each country you plan to export your products to.There are many variations from country to country. FDA does not have access to each country’s requirements. You will need to contact the country you will do business with through their Embassy or by contacting the regulatory agency in that country directly.

  • If I export food to a foreign country, do I need any export certificates from the United States?
    • No, the U.S. doesn’t require any certificates of the exporter.The officials of the foreign country may require certificates from the exporter stating their products can be lawfully sold in the United States. Also, the products must pass quality control review and other specific regulations overseen by the FDA. Export certificates are usually reviewed by the foreign country before products can be exported to them.

  • Are CFSAN export certificates issued to a firm that is not the manufacturer of the product?
    • Yes, as long as the exporter lists the manufacturer of the product on the application for a CFSAN export certificate.

  • Where do I go to apply for a CFSAN export certificate?
    • FDA Unified Registration and Listing Systems (FURLS) has applications for Certificates to Foreign Government through the CFSAN Export Certification Application Application and Tracking System (CFSAN eCATS). You must have an account with the FDA Industry Systems (FIS), or you may create an account. For help with the FIS system, contact: 800-216-7331 or 240-247-8804, 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Eastern Time. For help with the CFSAN eCATS system, contact the FDA by emai:CFSANexportcertification@fda.hhs.gov or by phone: 240-402-2307.

  • When can I expect to hear a reply about my Certificate of Foreign Government application?
    • Usually the process only takes a few days for your application review. But it may take longer due to certain factors:

      1. How many products are on the application,
      2. Is the application is fully completed or is there additional information needed, or
      3. The applications are done on a first come first served basis, and the workload affects the time it takes for your application to be reviewed.

  • Can my application be expedited?
    • No, as stated above, applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received.

CFG documents received online

Simply upload your CFG digital file, you will receive by FedEx your document processed with an apostille.

Processing time

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  • US Department of State fee is included.
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