Certificate of Free Sale Program

As a service to the cosmetic industry, CCTFA offers a certificate program to facilitate international trade. This certificate program is offered to both member and non-member companies of the CCTFA.

A Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is an Affidavit signed by a CCTFA staff person which attests that, to the best of his/her knowledge, the product you are exporting to another country is identical to the product freely sold throughout Canada. This provides assurance that the products are safe and effective as they are in compliance with all applicable Provincial and Federal Laws and Regulations in Canada. The process can take 2-4 weeks, depending on the service requested and the complexity of the certificate. CCTFA membership is not necessary, but as a member you will have less requirements, receive faster service and benefit from a reduction in the cost.

CCTFA reserves the right to require full labelling copy, a list of ingredients in the product(s) and contact names and address coordinates of the Brand owner if such information is deemed necessary.

For over 80 years, CCTFA has been the leading Canadian association for the personal care products industry. CCTFA has been issuing certificates for over 10 years, destined to approximately 65 countries annually.

Contact CCTFA for a complete copy of the Certificate of Free Sale Guidance Documents.

CFS is Available to the Following Applicants
CFS is Available for the Following Products
Obtaining a CFS
Fees (as of January 1, 2009)
Contact CCTFA

CFS is Available to the Following Applicants:

• Branded Products / for Brand owners or licensees as distributors in Canada;
• Custom Manufacturers producing brands either for the Canadian market or brands not marketed in Canada;
• Custom Manufacturers producing "generic formula" / non-branded products intended for consumption as a specific retailer private label, hotel amenity or other special purpose / occasion.
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CFS is Available for the Following Products:

• Cosmetics, defined by the Food and Drugs Act as any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes;
• Cosmetic-Like Drugs & Cosmetic-Like Natural Health Products, limited to 8 categories only and include: acne therapy; antidandruff products; antiperspirants; antiseptic skin cleansers; diaper rash products; fluoride-containing anti-caries products; medicated skin care products; and sunburn protectants.
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Obtaining a CFS

The applicant must first submit an affidavit that swears to the best of their knowledge; the products listed in the document are freely sold or able to be sold throughout Canada. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether or not a list of ingredients is required with the CFS, depending on the specific requirements of the country of entry. Also, the applicant must determine if additional modified wording is required and must submit the changes to CCTFA for approval before notarizing said affidavit.

CCTFA then prepares a CFS by drafting an Affidavit based on the applicant’s original affidavit, identifying the affiant, the company name and address, and a statement swearing that, to the best of the affiant’s knowledge, the products listed in the document are freely sold or able to be sold throughout Canada.

CCTFA is responsible for ensuring that the CFS is notarized by a qualified Notary Public, and then authenticated by the Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce.

Note: Should further Consulate legalization be required, this is the responsibility of the applicant after the CFS is issued.

Only one original CFS will be produced and cannot be photocopied or duplicated for any official purpose. Should extra originals be required, this must be stated in the cover letter and accompanied by the full certificate fee for each additional copy requested.

CCTFA may not prepare a CFS for any product known to CCTFA as being subject to active regulatory action, scrutiny by Health Canada or the U.S. FDA. CCTFA relies on the Company Affidavit for assurance and protection, but if there are questions on a particular product for which a CFS is being requested, CCTFA will act to verify that the product has not been cited, nor is under scrutiny by regulatory authorities.
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Fees (as of January 1, 2009)

The fees listed below include certification costs and charges paid towards processing the certificate, such as notarization, authentication, transportation, photocopying and other related administrative costs. One original CFS will be issued per country, per request; a separate fee applies for each certificate issued per country requested. However, multiple requests can be made on the same Cover Letter and Affidavit, provided the requests are the same.

Certain restrictions may apply. CCTFA reserves the right to issue a CFS at its sole discretion. The appropriate fee and all documentation must accompany the request for a CFS. Preparation of the CFS will only commence once all required material and payment is received. There are no refunds.

*Member Rate is available to members in good standing for applications where:
I) the applicant is the owner/licensee of the brand in Canada for which the application is being made; or
II) The applicant is a custom manufacturer or agent and the brandowner is also a CCTFA member in good standing.
**Rush service may not be available for non-members. Certain restrictions may apply. CCTFA reserves the right to issue a CFS at its sole discretion.
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Contact CCTFA

For CCTFA's complete CFS Guidance Document, template affidavits and checklist, Catharine Etmanskie, Coordinator, Programs and Services at:

Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
420 Britannia Road East, Suite 102
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 3L5

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