Procedure for Obtaining Free Sale and Commerce Certificate (FSC)

Deepak Purohit

Deepak Purohit

Published on: Nov 28, 2025

Megha Makharia

Updated on: Nov 28, 2025

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Introduction

The Free Sale and Commerce Certificate (FSC) is a mandatory customs and trade document that certifies a product is freely sold, circulated, and legally marketed within India, thus satisfying the export requirements of importing countries’ regulatory bodies. The certificate is for export of items not covered under Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, which have usage in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics, for medical and surgical purposes and are not prohibited for export. The entire application process is electronic and paperless on the DGFT portal.

Applicability Provisions

Para 2.34 of Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023

Mandatory Requirements

1. Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
2. Check if the product falls under the scope of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Procedure to be Followed (Step-by-Step)

1. Obtain Importer-Exporter Code:
   Importer/ Exporter shall obtain valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) in case they do not already possess the same.
   (Please refer Article on Import-Exporter Code, for detailed information)
2. Validate the Purview of Items to be Exported:
   • Item for which the FSC is sought should not be restricted or prohibited for export under the ITC (HS) Classification.
   • Items should not fall under the regulatory purview of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 (e.g., Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Cosmetics)

   Note: For items covered under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, the certificate must be obtained from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), not the DGFT.

3. Obtain Free Sale and Commerce Certificate (FSC):
   • Log in to the official DGFT website (https://dgft.gov.in) using your credentials
   • Navigate to Services → Certificate Management → Free Sale and Commerce Certificate → Apply
   • Fill Application Details:
     • Basic details (IEC, Firm Name, RCMC) will be auto-populated in ANF-2H to concerned Regional Authority
     • Enter the purpose of the export and details of the product(s) (referencing Annexure A)
     • Declaration must be made confirming the items do not fall under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940
     • Enter foreign buyer details
   • Upload the required self-certified documents, such as the Product List, Proof of Domestic Sale, and Manufacturing License.
   • Make the requisite application fee payment online via the DGFT’s e-Payment system.
   • Upon successful submission, a File Number will be generated. The application status can be tracked under “Submitted Applications”.
4. Issuance of Certificate:
   Regional Authority scrutinizes the application and the attached declarations. Upon satisfaction, the Free Sales and Commerce Certificate (FSC) is issued electronically, in the format prescribed in Annexure B of ANF-2H.

   Note: The certificate is generally valid for two years from the date of issue.