The seamless flow of goods across borders is key to the growth of any business trading internationally.
Export certificates can contribute to the ease of this process. An export certificate is a legal document that confirms key details about goods being shipped to other countries.
In certain instances, you may require notarisation of your export certificates. We will verify the authenticity of your documents to ensure they are recognised by foreign organisations.
Export certificates contain key details about exported goods. This information substantiates their compliance with international trade regulations. The document may include:
An export certificate instils confidence in the buyer/importer, regulatory bodies, and other relevant parties involved in the transaction.
The specifics of an export certificate can vary based on the nature of the goods and the regulations of the importing country. Some commonly encountered export certificates include certificates of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary certificates, and export health certificates.
In situations with potential trade barriers or customs concerns, the appropriate export certificate will aid a smooth transfer.
Notarisation is a process by which a qualified notary public verifies the authenticity of a document.
Importers and other foreign parties may request this additional layer of authentication when using the document outside of the UK.
When it comes to international trade, notarisation of export certificates serves several functions:
An Export Certificate can be issued in three ways:
If you have (1) an original export certificate signed by an official of the issuing authority, the notary can verify the authenticity with the issuer and notarise the original itself. Alternatively, the notary can make a photocopy of the original and notarise a copy as a “true copy”. If you need the export certificate apostilled, then an original signed export certificate does not need notarisation and can be submitted to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) directly.
If you have either (2) an original export certificate not signed by an official of the issuing authority or (3) an electronic export certificate produced from the original PDF or other electronic document, it will need to be notarised before it can be apostilled by the FCDO. If electronically issued, the notary will need to verify the document is genuine either by sighting the original email from the issuer, or seeing the steps you take to download the document from a website.
Notarisation requirements can vary across different countries and legal systems. For some countries, notarisation by itself will be fine, whilst for others you may need an apostille or further legalisation by an embassy. It’s important to consult a notary public who can explain what steps may be needed for your matter.
Enquire below and we’ll get straight back to you with a fixed quote or a request for further information. Send your original export certificate to our London Victoria office by secure mail or visit us in person.
We’ll ensure your export certificate is compliant with the relevant legal frameworks. Get in touch with our respected notaries today.