Documents a U.S. company may need to sell products in Latin America

There is no single document list for all of Latin America. The country, product, regulator and import method determine the file.

Corporate documents

The recipient may request a Certificate of Status, certified copies of the Articles, evidence of the representative's authority and powers of attorney. These establish the company or its representation; they do not establish that a product may be sold.

Product certificates

A Certificate of Free Sale, Certificate to a Foreign Government (CFG) and Certificate of Exportability (COE) are not interchangeable. The product's FDA category and U.S. marketing status determine which certificate may apply. The foreign regulator may also require sanitary registration, manufacturer information, model lists and labels.

Transaction and shipping documents

The commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate or declaration of origin serve commercial and customs functions. A certificate of origin does not replace a health certificate or a Certificate of Status.

Apostille and translation

Prepare these only when required by the regulator or importer. A state document is apostilled by its issuing state; a federal document follows the federal authentication route.

Frequently asked questions

Are a Certificate of Status and a Free Sale certificate the same?

No. One concerns the company; the other concerns a product.

Does every food export need an FDA certificate?

Not under a universal U.S. rule, although the destination country may require one.

Does proof of origin register a product?

No. It primarily addresses origin and possible tariff treatment.

Official sources

Trade.gov — Common export documents · FDA — Food Export Certificates