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FDA Certificate of Exportability Legalization for Arab Countries
Some U.S. products are made for export only and aren’t sold in the United States, often because they’re built to a foreign buyer’s specification. For these, the FDA issues a Certificate of Exportability instead of a certificate of free sale. The Arab American Chamber of Commerce legalizes it by the federal route and helps you check whether the Arab regulator will accept it.
A federal certificate: it starts at the U.S. Department of State. The Certificate of Exportability is signed by the FDA, so it isn’t notarized and doesn’t go to any Secretary of State. Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain and Algeria accept the Department of State apostille. The other Arab countries also need embassy legalization.
What a Certificate of Exportability Is
A Certificate of Exportability confirms that a product which may not be sold in the U.S. can still be legally exported, because it meets the U.S. export requirements and the importing country’s specifications. It is different from a CFG, which confirms U.S. free sale. Because it doesn’t confirm free sale, some Arab regulators accept it only in specific cases.
Export-only devices
Medical devices made to a foreign specification or not cleared for the U.S. market.
DevicesExport-only drugs
Unapproved drugs exported under FDA export provisions.
DrugsCheck acceptance first
Some regulators want proof of U.S. free sale (a CFG or COPP) instead.
Ask firstNot a free sale certificate
If your product is sold in the U.S., request a CFG or COPP.
See CFGChoose the Destination Country
Choose the destination country to start your order.
Country
U.S. steps
Final step
U.S. stepsOriginal → U.S. Department of State apostille
Final stepApostille (since July 9, 2026)
U.S. stepsOriginal → U.S. Department of State authentication
Final stepEgyptian Embassy or consulate
U.S. stepsOriginal → U.S. Department of State authentication
Final stepEmbassy of Oman (business documents since 2021)
U.S. stepsOriginal → U.S. Department of State authentication
Final stepPalestinian legalization arranged by our team
U.S. stepsOriginal → U.S. Department of State apostille
Final stepApostille (since December 2022)
U.S. stepsOriginal → U.S. Department of State
Final stepUAE Embassy (through VFS Global), then MOFA in the UAE
Embassy fees for FDA certificates vary by country. We confirm the amount with your order.
How a Certificate of Exportability Is Legalized
- Confirm the regulator accepts itAsk your agent whether the authority accepts an exportability certificate or needs a free sale certificate (CFG or COPP).
- Obtain it from the FDARequest the certificate with the products and importing country stated exactly as in your file.
- Authentication in WashingtonWe take the original to the U.S. Department of State. For Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain and Algeria, its apostille is all you need.
- Embassy stepFor embassy countries, the embassy legalizes the authenticated certificate. For the UAE, it goes through VFS Global, then MOFA.
- Returned to youSent with tracking, ready for the import or registration file.
Common mistakes: notarizing the certificate, sending it to a Secretary of State, or using an exportability certificate where the regulator requires proof of U.S. free sale. Confirm what the regulator accepts before you apply.
Required Documents
What to send us
- The original certificate from the FDA, exactly as issued.
- The regulator’s request, if you have it, so we can confirm the document matches.
- Your online order for the destination country, paid online or through Pay Invoice.
- Return label: a prepaid FedEx/UPS waybill or a tracked USPS Priority Mail envelope, or buy one at checkout.
Ask your agent before applying
- Does the authority accept an exportability certificate?
- Is a CFG or COPP required instead?
- Do the product names need to match the import permit?
- Is a recent issue date required?
Related Export Certificates
Certificate to Foreign Government (CFG)
The free sale certificate for products sold in the U.S.
Federal routeProcessing Time and Fees
Apostille countries
| Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain, Algeria | U.S. Department of State apostille |
| Notary or Secretary of State | Not needed |
| Embassy step | None |
Embassy countries
| U.S. Department of State | Authentication |
| Embassy fee | By country |
| Time | Call us for your country |
Processing time runs from receipt of the FDA original. You’ll see our service fee and the shipping cost at checkout, with no notary or state charges.
Why Choose the Arab American Chamber of Commerce?
Correct federal routeWe never send FDA documents to a notary or state office.
Acceptance checkedWe help you confirm the regulator accepts it before you spend time and fees.
One order for the fileCertificates, letters and data sheets, legalized together.
Where to Send Your Certificate
Maryland office (fastest)
Arab Chamber of Commerce
1615 Bay Head Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409
(410) 349-1212
Washington, D.C. headquarters
1330 New Hampshire Ave. NW, B1, Washington, DC
(202) 347-5800
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ET
Certificate of Exportability Legalization: Common Questions
Does a Certificate of Exportability need a notary?
No. It is an FDA document. It goes straight to the U.S. Department of State, and notarizing it can lead to rejection.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Exportability and a CFG?
A CFG confirms the product can be sold in the U.S. A Certificate of Exportability covers products that may only be exported. Regulators often treat them differently.
Which Arab countries accept an apostille on it?
The apostille is accepted in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain and Algeria. For any other Arab destination, including Oman and the UAE, the certificate goes on to embassy legalization, assuming the regulator accepts this type of certificate at all.
Will an Arab regulator accept it?
It depends on the authority and the product. Many want proof of U.S. free sale. Check with your agent before you apply.
How long does legalization take?
The apostille route is the shortest. Embassy countries add the embassy’s processing time. Call us for a current estimate.
Exporting a product not sold in the U.S.?
Tell us the product and destination. We’ll check which FDA certificate the regulator accepts.
Case 1 Examples
Business documents
Federally Issued documents
Case 2 Examples
Commercial Document:
Case 3 Examples
Personal Document:
Mailing
If you are using FedEx or UPS, please include a self-addressed air waybill for the return of your document.
Alternatively, you may use a USPS Priority Mail envelope with prepaid postage and a tracking number.
If you do not have a FedEx or UPS account, you can purchase an air waybill through this site in the next step.
Arab American Chamber of Commerce Headquarter Office
1330 New Hampshire Ave. NW, B1Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 347-5800
1 888-939-ARAB
Arab Chamber of Commerce
1615 Bay Head Rd.Annapolis MD, 21409
(410) 349 - 1212
