Certificates of Free Sale (CFS)
In partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), CTFA issues official Certificates of Free Sale stating that your products comply with South African regulatory standards and are freely marketed in South Africa.
What is a Certificate of Free Sale?
Certificates of Free Sale (COFS) are required by customs authorities, ministries of health, and commercial importers in a growing number of countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
A Certificate of Free Sale provides definitive assurance that the cosmetics being exported are the identical formulations sold legally in South Africa, meeting all safety, metrology, and ingredient criteria.
Mandatory Prerequisites:
- Product artwork must have undergone a CTFA compliance review.
- Compliance with Draft Notice R.1469 and SABS 241/cosmetics standards.
- Evidence that the product is manufactured and sold in South Africa.
Fee Schedule & Processing Times
Subsidized
Substantially discounted rates included with membership privileges.
Standard Rate
Standard fee per certificate plus artwork review charges.
* Turnaround time is typically 3-5 business days upon receipt of approved artwork and payment confirmation.