At the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), Free Sales Certificates were issued through the Azexport portal. Zaur Qardaşov, head of the Azexport portal, stated that the Free Sales Certificate is a relatively new regulatory control mechanism in international trade. “The certificate is mandatory in many countries and is applied to ensure the safety of products that come into contact with the human body, including food, cosmetics, textiles, medical devices, hygiene products, and others.”

It has been noted that within the framework of the Azexport portal’s activities, obtaining a Free Sales Certificate is necessary for exporting Azerbaijani products to many countries. The portal has conducted research and provided recommendations in this regard.

The following documents are required to obtain the certificate:

• Company registration certificate;

• List of goods requiring the Free Sales Certificate;

• Quality certificate;

• Product conformity certificate;

• (If legally required) production license for the goods;

• International identification number – barcode (if available);

• Confirmation of domestic sales (2–3 customers, invoices, receipts, or tax invoices).

The issuing authority confirms with the certificate that the product is freely available for sale within the country. For confirmation, it is sufficient that the product has certificates issued by domestic authorities (quality, hygiene, conformity, etc.) and is currently sold in several trade networks. No additional laboratory testing is required to issue the certificate.

According to Zaur Qardaşov, the certificate also designates the official governmental body authorized to issue it. In Azerbaijan, this official body has been assigned to CAERC in accordance with the Presidential decree.

Azerbaijan is the third country in the CIS to introduce this type of certificate. Issuing the Free Sales Certificate opens markets in over 100 countries for Azerbaijani companies that previously could not export. Today, four companies that have received the certificate – Gazelli Group, Apiaz MMC (brand “Ballı”), Aznar QSC, and Brightman MMC (brand “Zıra”) – are exporting their products to Arab countries and the United States.