UK update on Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): What cosmetic exporters should know for CPTPP markets

The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has released an update that will be particularly relevant for companies exporting cosmetic products from the United Kingdom to trans-Pacific markets.

This change is linked to the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and may reduce a common administrative burden for UK exporters.

Table of contents

1. What’s the change?

2. Which countries are impacted?

3. Why does this matter for UK cosmetic businesses?

4. Practical note for exporters

5. Need support with cosmetic exports from the UK?

UK update on Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): What cosmetic exporters should know for CPTPP markets

What’s the change?

With the entry into force of the UK’s CPTPP membership, the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is no longer viewed as a mandatory requirement to sell, distribute, or place cosmetic products on the market in CPTPP member countries.

In other words, for exports to CPTPP markets, the CFS should no longer be treated as a strict “market access document” needed to import cosmetics.

Which countries are impacted?

In practical terms, this update affects exports to CPTPP territories where local authorities or commercial partners previously requested a CFS as part of the import documentation, including:

• Australia

• Brunei

• Canadá

• Chile

• Japón

• Malasia

• México

• Nueva Zelanda

• Perú

• Singapur

• Vietnam

Why does this matter for UK cosmetic businesses?

For many exporters, requesting and issuing a CFS can add cost and time to the export process. Under this updated framework, UK businesses may benefit from:

• Less bureaucracy when shipping cosmetics to CPTPP countries

• Lower administrative costs linked to additional certificates

• Smoother export processes to key Asia-Pacific markets

• Faster timelines, particularly when documentation was a bottleneck

Overall, it is a positive development that supports international trade and facilitates access to strategic markets.

Practical note for exporters

Although this update brings a welcome simplification, we still recommend checking the import requirements case by case, since:

• some importers may continue requesting the CFS as part of their internal procedures,

• local authorities may apply transitional practices,

• other documentation (labels, product information, notifications, etc.) can still be required depending on each country.

Need support with cosmetic exports from the UK?

At Belab Services, we help brands and manufacturers manage regulatory compliance and export readiness across multiple markets worldwide.

If you export cosmetics from the UK and want to confirm whether your documentation package is correctly aligned for CPTPP countries, our team can support you with a tailored regulatory review.

Get in touch with our team of experts today