Overseas expansion is an exciting challenge, but also a wall of complex administration. To export products that act directly on the body — cosmetics, food, medical devices — you must register with the destination's health authority, and the most fundamental document is proof of lawful sale: the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS). Here is how to handle CFS fact notarization and certification online.
What is a CFS?
CFS stands for Certificate of Free Sale — a document officially certifying that the product to be exported is lawfully manufactured and freely sold in Korea. Overseas health authorities require it to confirm the safety and reliability of imported products, and it plays a central role in registering pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and medical devices.
What is fact notarization?
For a CFS to take legal effect abroad, fact notarization is often required — a notary confirms that the entity, individual, or representative personally signed or sealed the document. In Korea, notarization is performed by a notary appointed by the Minister of Justice under the Notary Act. This is especially important for CFS documents issued by a private association, which are private documents.
When do you need it?
- Registering cosmetics, food, or medical devices with an overseas health authority
- Submitting an association-issued CFS that requires notarization
- Export markets requiring apostille or embassy legalization on the CFS
- Appointing a local distributor who must present the CFS
Key documents
| Document | Note |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) | Public if MFDS/KMDIA-issued; private (notarize) if association-issued |
| Fact notarization | Required for association-issued (private) CFS |
| Apostille / embassy legalization | Added depending on destination market |
| Certified translation | Local-language translation where required |
Certification route, step by step
- Issue the CFSObtain the CFS from the MFDS, KMDIA, or the relevant association.
- Fact notarization (if private)Notarize association-issued CFS to give it public effect.
- Apostille or embassy legalizationApostille for a member market; embassy legalization for a non-member.
- SubmissionSubmit to the overseas health authority or partner.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles CFS issuance support, fact notarization, certified translation, and certification in one stop, entirely online.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CFS?
A Certificate of Free Sale — official proof that a product is lawfully manufactured and freely sold in Korea, required for overseas product registration.
Does a CFS always need fact notarization?
Government-issued CFS is a public document, while association-issued CFS is private and needs fact notarization before certification.
Do I need an apostille too?
It depends on the market — apostille for a Hague member, embassy legalization for a non-member.
Which products is it for?
Mainly pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and medical devices.
How long does it take?
It varies by document and market, but typically about 5 to 15 business days. Contact us for urgent handling.
Why Apostille Korea
- Specialist team — apostille, certified translation, and embassy legalization handled directly by experts.
- One-stop service — from issuance support to the finished certification, resolved together.
- Fully remote — apply online from anywhere and receive your documents — no in-person visit.
- Fast handling — urgent cases processed quickly with real-time status updates.
- Accurate guidance — tailored advice analyzing each country's and document's requirements.