Business and export documents

Central guide · Updated August 2026

Corporate and export documents prepared for international authentication — Illustrative image; it does not represent an official document.

Companies that export or operate outside the United States often need specific corporate or trade documents authenticated before a bank, buyer, regulator, or foreign authority will accept them: Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Status, certificates of origin, Certificate of Free Sale, and other federal documents, among others. This page connects our apostille service pages with the specific guide for each document, so you can quickly find the one that matches your case.

Corporate certificates: Good Standing and Certificate of Status

A foreign bank, a business partner, or an authority in another country may ask for apostilled evidence that your company legally exists and is in good standing in the state where it was formed. These certificates go by different names depending on the issuing state, so it's worth confirming which one applies to your case before ordering it.

Certificates of origin and free sale for export

When exporting products, many buyers, customs authorities, or foreign regulators ask for a certificate of origin or a Certificate of Free Sale, depending on the type of product and the destination country. The right document generally depends on the product category, so it's worth checking the specific guide before ordering one.

Federal documents for businesses

Some business documents aren't apostilled at the state level; instead, they're authenticated through the U.S. Department of State, for example certain federal or notarized documents that need to be used in countries outside the Hague Convention, or that require an additional federal authentication step.

Federal document authentication service

Exporting to specific markets

Each destination market can have different requirements for which corporate or product documents it expects, and how they need to be authenticated. These guides look at concrete export cases for specific markets.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Have more questions about your specific document? Send us your case and we'll walk through it with you.

Are a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Status the same document?+

They serve a similar function, but the exact name, content, and scope depend on the issuing state. Use the official name the issuing authority gives the document, and confirm with the recipient which of the two they actually need.

Does a commercial invoice always need authentication or an apostille?+

Not necessarily. It depends on the destination country, the type of product, and whether the buyer or customs broker requires it. Confirm the exact requirement before authenticating anything.

Is a Certificate of Free Sale automatically the right document for food exports?+

Not always. The right document generally depends on the product category and the applicable regulator; food, cosmetics, and medical devices can require different certificates. See the dedicated Certificate of Free Sale guide for more detail.

Does Integramerica determine tariff classification or whether I need an export license?+

No. Integramerica authenticates and translates documents; it does not determine product registration, tariff classification, or eligibility for an export license. Those questions are decided by the applicable regulator or customs broker.

How far in advance should I start if I have a business deadline?+

The earlier the better. Timelines vary by the issuing state or authority and whether you need an apostille, consular legalization, or a certified translation. It's best to confirm the estimated time for your specific case before committing to a deadline.

Notice

Informational content only. Integramerica is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. It does not determine product registration, tariff classification, or eligibility for export licenses. Requirements and final acceptance depend on the receiving authority.

Contact

Need to authenticate a business document?

Tell us what document you have, the state or authority that issued it, and the country where you'll use it. We'll review your case and point you to the right authentication route.

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