Free Sale & Commerce Certificate in India – Fees, Documents, Process & Timeline

Indian exporters may be asked by an overseas buyer or foreign authority to prove that their products are freely sold in India. A Free Sale & Commerce Certificate (FSCC) provides this confirmation for eligible goods.

The certificate is issued through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). However, DGFT is not the appropriate or suitable authority for every product category. Exporters should first identify the applicable regulator before filing an application.

Quick Summary

What Is a Free Sale & Commerce Certificate?

A Free Sale & Commerce Certificate confirms that the products listed in it are freely sold in India. An importing-country regulator, customs authority, distributor or foreign buyer may request this certificate before accepting the goods.

The certificate does not certify that a product has been independently evaluated for safety, quality or efficacy. It primarily confirms its free-sale status based on the applicable framework, supporting documents and declarations submitted by the exporter.

Under the DGFT Handbook of Procedures 2023, the application is made in the prescribed ANF 2H format.

Who Can Apply for an FSCC in India?

Both manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters may apply for a Free Sale & Commerce Certificate. The applicant should generally have: -

• An active Importer Exporter Code linked to the DGFT user profile
• A valid Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate reflected in the IEC profile  
• A valid Digital Signature Certificate registered on the DGFT portal
• Correct ITC (HS) codes and technical descriptions of the products
• Applicable product licences or regulatory certificates     

An applicant whose IEC is suspended, cancelled or placed on the Denied Entity List may not be allowed to submit the application.

Remind Legal can help exporters check their eligibility and prepare an accurately supported FSCC application.

Which Products Are Eligible?

DGFT may issue an FSCC for products that are neither restricted nor prohibited for export. Eligible products may include general merchandise and certain items used in hospitals, nursing homes or clinics that are not covered under the drugs and cosmetics regulatory framework.

Restricted, prohibited and SCOMET-controlled goods cannot be included in an ordinary FSCC application.

Products regulated under the drugs, cosmetics or medical-device framework may require a certificate from CDSCO or the relevant State Licensing Authority instead of DGFT. The correct authority should therefore be confirmed according to the product category.

Documents Required for a Free Sale & Commerce Certificate

The requirements depend on the product and the importing country. The usual information and supporting documents include: -

DGFT’s mandatory attachments include the details of the products for which the certificate is requested and applicable certificates, such as FSSAI. Additional or other required documents may be requested depending on the application.

How to Apply for a Free Sale & Commerce Certificate

Step 1: Check Product Eligibility

Confirm the product’s ITC (HS) classification and the export policy. Make sure it is not restricted, prohibited or SCOMET-controlled. Also check and verify whether DGFT or a sector-specific regulator is the correct and appropriate issuing authority.

Step 2: Update the IEC Profile

Log in to the DGFT official portal and confirm that the IEC, branch and various other contact details are accurate. A valid RCMC should be available in the IEC profile.

Step 3: Register the DSC

Register a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) with the authorised DGFT user account. The DSC is required to authenticate the application.

Step 4: Start the Online Application

On the DGFT portal, follow:

Services → Certificate Management → Apply Certificate → Free Sale and Commerce Certificate

Complete the application in the prescribed ANF 2H format.

Step 5: Enter Product Information

Provide the ITC (HS) code, technical description, brand, model, specifications and manufacturer details. The information should match the product licences and commercial records.

Step 6: Upload Documents and Pay the Fee

Upload the product details and various applicable regulatory certificates. Review and examine the declarations, digitally sign the application and pay the prescribed fee online.

Step 7: Track and Download the Certificate

A file number is generated after the process of successful submission. The application can be tracked under the option of “Submitted Applications.” If a deficiency or defect is raised, the exporter should respond through the portal. Once it is issued, the certificate can be downloaded electronically.

Free Sale & Commerce Certificate Fee

The DGFT government fee is ₹1,000 per application, payable electronically. Consultancy or any other professional charges, if any, are separate. Check the official fee on the DGFT official portal before filing. The amount is confirmed in the official DGFT FSCC FAQs.

Processing Time and Validity

DGFT does not prescribe a guaranteed processing period for every application. From 31 August 2026, eligible FSCC applications may be issued automatically through the DGFT system. Applications requiring verification or not meeting the automated parameters may still be routed to the concerned Regional Authority for manual processing. Therefore, the timeline depends on the application details, supporting documents and whether any deficiency is raised. This process is explained in DGFT Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27.

The certificate is normally valid for two years from the date of issue. Its validity cannot ordinarily be extended. Amendments are also not permitted after issuance; if changes are required, a fresh application must be filed.

Conclusion

A Free Sale & Commerce Certificate helps eligible Indian exporters meet overseas market-entry requirements. Correct and proper product classification, an active IEC, a valid RCMC and complete supporting documents are essential for a smooth application.

For professional assistance with an FSCC application in India, exporters may contact Remind Legal.