Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product (CPP)
For human drugs, including OTC products such as sunscreens.
Cosmetics Export Certificate Apostille
When you launch a skincare, makeup, haircare or fragrance line abroad, the local authority often asks for an FDA Certificate for Cosmetics, legalized for use in its country. Upload the certificate the FDA issued you. We have it apostilled or authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and send it by FedEx, ready for your product notification or distributor file.
Simply upload your FDA digital file, and you will receive your apostilled document via FedEx.
Processing time
9 business days
- We accept credit card payments.
- Track your order history and expenses online.
- The U.S. Department of State fee is already included.
- Submit the files you received from the FDA electronically.
- We use the State Department minimum processing time.
- You may update your own FedEx air waybill or purchase a new one.
- U.S. Department of State Form DS-4194 is not required; we handle it.
Exp. Service fee
US Dept. of State fee
Total:
Click here toupload your first FDA digital filePDF only · or drag and drop it here
What Is the FDA Certificate for Cosmetics?
The FDA issues a Certificate for Cosmetics for products that meet the definition of a cosmetic under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. These are products intended to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness or alter the appearance. Foreign regulators accept it as official U.S. evidence about the regulatory status of your cosmetic products.
Importing countries typically ask for it when you:
- Notify or register a cosmetic product with a foreign health or cosmetics authority
- Sign up a new distributor or retail chain abroad
- Clear a first shipment through customs in a new market
- Renew a product registration or add new SKUs
Typical products covered
- Skincare: cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks
- Makeup: foundation, lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow
- Haircare: shampoos, conditioners, styling products, hair color
- Fragrances, perfumes and body sprays
- Nail products, bath and body care
Cosmetic or Drug? Your Claims Decide
The FDA does not issue a Certificate for Cosmetics for products marketed with drug claims. A drug claim is any claim that a product treats or prevents disease, or affects the structure or function of the body. Before you request a certificate, check your labels, website and marketing materials, because the claims you make determine how the FDA classifies the product.
| Claim on your product | Likely classification | Certificate to request |
|---|---|---|
| “Moisturizes and softens skin” | Cosmetic | Certificate for Cosmetics |
| “Adds shine and volume to hair” | Cosmetic | Certificate for Cosmetics |
| “SPF 30 sun protection” | Drug (OTC sunscreen) in the U.S. | A drug export certificate, such as a CPP |
| “Treats acne” / “controls dandruff” | Drug (OTC) in the U.S. | A drug export certificate, such as a CPP |
| Collagen supplement “for skin from within” | Dietary supplement | Certificate of Free Sale |
These examples are general guidance. The FDA makes the final classification based on your product’s intended use and all of its claims.
Apostille or Authentication for Your Cosmetics Certificate
Only the U.S. Department of State can confirm the FDA signature on a cosmetics certificate, because the FDA is a federal agency. Which document it issues depends on your target market:
Hague Convention countries
Apostille
One apostille makes the certificate valid in member countries, including the EU states, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, South Korea, India and Saudi Arabia.
Non-member countries
Authentication + embassy legalization
The State Department authenticates the certificate and the destination country’s embassy legalizes it. This route is common for cosmetic registrations in parts of the Gulf, Asia and Africa.
Check your destination on our countries page.
How It Works and What It Costs
Get the FDA certificate
Request the Certificate for Cosmetics from the FDA for the products you’re exporting.
Upload it
Send us the certificate exactly as issued, along with the destination country.
We handle the State Department
We check it, submit it to the Office of Authentications and track it until it is issued.
FedEx delivery
The legalized certificate goes to you, your distributor or your registration agent abroad.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Our service fee | $68 / doc. | Review, submission, tracking and dispatch |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $20 / doc. | Paid by us on your behalf |
| Total per certificate | $88 | Standard processing: 9 business days |
Tips for a Smooth Cosmetic Registration Abroad
Use exact product names
The product and shade names on the certificate should match your labels and the foreign notification exactly, including spelling and variant names.
Review your claims first
One drug-type claim, such as SPF, anti-acne or hair-growth, can change which certificate you need. Check labels and online listings before you apply.
Manufacturer and brand owner
Make sure the company names and addresses on the certificate match your distribution agreement and the importer’s documents.
Plan for new SKUs
Products added after the certificate was issued aren’t covered. Group launches together so one certificate, and one apostille, covers them.
Ask about date limits
Some authorities only accept certificates issued within a recent period. Confirm this with your agent before you order.
Send the unaltered file
Upload the certificate as the FDA issued it. Don’t edit, merge or re-scan it.
Cosmetics Certificate Apostille FAQs
What is an FDA Certificate for Cosmetics?
It is an FDA export certificate for products that meet the legal definition of a cosmetic. Foreign authorities use it as official U.S. evidence about the regulatory status of the products when they register or import them.
Can I get a cosmetics certificate for sunscreen or anti-acne products?
Usually not. In the U.S., products with claims like sun protection or acne treatment are regulated as drugs, and the FDA does not issue a Certificate for Cosmetics for products marketed with drug claims. They may need a drug export certificate, such as a CPP, instead.
Who apostilles an FDA cosmetics certificate?
The U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications. A state Secretary of State cannot apostille an FDA-issued certificate.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
$88 per certificate, which is our $68 service fee plus the $20 State Department fee. Standard processing takes 9 business days, and expedited options are available.
Is this the same as COSMOS, organic or cruelty-free certification?
No. Those are private certification schemes. The FDA Certificate for Cosmetics is a government export certificate, and we legalize it for use abroad.
Can I upload a digital certificate?
Yes. Upload the certificate as issued. Nothing needs to be mailed to us, and the legalized document comes back by FedEx.
Other FDA Certificates We Apostille
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
For dietary supplements and medical foods.
Certificate to a Foreign Government (CFG)
For devices, conventional foods and infant formula.
Certificate of Exportability
For products made in the U.S. for export only.
Health Certificate
For collagen and gelatin exports.
All FDA Certificates
Compare every certificate type side by side.
Take Your Beauty Brand Global
Upload your FDA Certificate for Cosmetics today and receive it apostilled by FedEx in 9 business days, for $88 with the State Department fee included.
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