Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/export-certificates.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

(360) 902-1876

Subject matter expert contact information:

(360) 902-1919

FSSanitaryCerts@agr.wa.gov

Sanitary Certificate, Food Processing Plant

(For Transporting Processed Foods)
Description/Purpose

Export Certificates of Sanitation and Free Sale are issued for transporting processed foods into domestic and international markets.

These certificates are also known as Certificates of Free Sale, Sanitary Certificates, Certificates of Sanitation, and Certificates of Sanitation and Free Sale.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issues export certificates for food products that are manufactured in Washington by a wholesale food processor licensed by the WSDA Food Safety Program.

Triggers and activities which would require this certification

Transporting processed foods into domestic and international markets.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

$75.00 per certificate.

Application Information

The application is called 'Request for Export Certificate of Sanitation and Free Sale' is online and can be accessed at https://cms.agr.wa.gov/getmedia/d14c027c-7b54-4a45-a0db-19e3a1581ac6/2089-requestforexportsanitarycertificate-rev-5-2018.

Complete the request form with:

  • Country shipping to
  • Type of certificate requested
  • Product information
  • WSDA Licensed Processing plant name

See the Notes/Comments section below.

Each request is valid for the specific products and lot numbers listed in the certificate.

Upon notice by the Department to deny or revoke a certificate, a person may request a hearing under Chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.

Legal authority
Notes / Comments
  1. All applicants must be currently licensed as either a food processing or milk processing plant in Washington State with WSDA under RCW 69.07.040 or 15.36.051.
  2. Sanitary certificate will be issued only to cover products listed on the license application or otherwise approved by WSDA.
  3. Products for certification must not be under embargo or litigation by WSDA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or other recognized public health authorities.
  4. An applicant must not be more than 90 days in arrears in paying for previous sanitary certificates issued.
  5. Any applicant that requests sanitary certificates must have been inspected by WSDA within the inspection frequency guidelines established by WSDA and must be in substantial compliance with applicable food safety and dairy laws and rules.
  6. Milk processing plants that request sanitary certificates for Grade A products must be in compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, or Condensed and Dry Milk Ordinance, as applicable.

You can find examples of export certificates located at: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/export-certificates.

Contacts
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Food Safety Program
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia WA 98504
Email: foodsafety@agr.wa.gov
Website: http://agr.wa.gov
Telephone: (360) 902-1876
* Credential details last updated 12/9/2019
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