Preparing an MHRA Certificate of Free Sale for Russia starts with the recipient’s written checklist. Ginkgo Advisory provides solicitor-led verification and helps you plan the correct certification and legalisation package.
For instructions that we can lawfully accept, we offer express solicitor certification for suitable documents, an express 2-working-day apostille service for eligible prepared documents, and embassy legalisation where needed. We confirm the required route and timing before work starts.
Does Russia require an MHRA CFS for medical devices?
The UK’s Russia sanctions guidance covers restrictions that can apply to goods and associated services. Establish the legal position of the actual transaction before arranging UK document work. Separate any local medical-device submission from that UK compliance assessment.
Consult UK guidance relevant to Russia and ask the relevant Russian medical-device authority and the applicant named in your submission to clarify the particular document request.
Review service eligibility before discussing an urgent apostille
Russia-related restrictions can affect products, recipients, payments and professional services. Provide the complete transaction details so the appropriate compliance review can take place. A CFS does not authorise an export, and an apostille does not remove restrictions. We confirm whether we can accept a lawful instruction before offering any processing timetable. Also confirm an available delivery arrangement rather than assuming routine FCDO return delivery to Russia.
Before arranging authentication, confirm:
- Who will receive, pay for and use the products?
- Does the proposed transaction require a licence or other permission?
- What permitted delivery arrangement will the recipient accept?
Illustrative example: A UK company receives a CFS request for a proposed Russian supply. It checks the product, end user, transaction and requested services first. Only after that review does it decide whether a document-authentication instruction can proceed.
Solicitor verification and express certification
Our solicitor-led review checks the complete certificate, manufacturer details, product schedules and evidence of origin. We compare the package with the recipient’s instructions and identify discrepancies. Our express solicitor certification service covers suitable copies and supporting documents where the receiving body accepts that certification. A true-copy statement alone does not establish the issuer document’s authenticity.
MHRA electronic certificates need a specific check. The MHRA’s CFS guidance directs exporters to a notary for authenticity checks and any required notarisation before FCDO authentication of its electronically signed PDF. We identify that step during review. Solicitor certification cannot replace a required notarial act.
Express 2-working-day apostille for Russia
Our express UK apostille service applies to the eligible FCDO stage after the document is ready. We first confirm that the instruction and requested services can proceed. Allow separate time for MHRA issuance, authenticity checks, professional preparation, translation and delivery. Any consular processing also takes additional time. Extra FCDO checks can affect the timetable.
An apostille authenticates the relevant signature, seal or stamp. It does not confirm product safety, expand the certificate’s product list or grant local market access. The UK government’s legalisation guidance explains the authentication process.
Apostille or embassy legalisation for Russia?
Russia appears in the HCCH Apostille Convention status table. For qualifying public documents, an apostille generally replaces consular legalisation where the Convention operates between the UK and the destination. Check the applicable treaty relationship and the recipient’s instructions for the actual document.
Some administrative documents that deal directly with commercial or customs operations fall outside the Convention’s scope. We assess the certificate and the professional act involved. If the applicable route requires further diplomatic authentication, ask about our embassy legalisation service.
Preparing your MHRA Certificate of Free Sale for Russia
Confirm whether the recipient accepts the English certificate or requests Russian. Ask which translation formalities apply and whether the translation must include the annexes, professional certification and apostille. Keep the original issuer PDF intact for authenticity checks.
- Send the complete issuer PDF and every product schedule, plus any existing professional certification.
- Include the written checklist, recipient’s name and address, intended use and required submission format.
- Provide the deadline, number of copies and delivery details so we can confirm the scope and quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does an apostille make a restricted Russia-related transaction permissible?
No. An apostille authenticates a qualifying signature or seal. It does not permit restricted exports, payments or services, and it cannot replace a necessary licence or exemption.
Does the two-working-day service include the complete export process?
No. It concerns the eligible apostille stage after preparation. Certificate issuance, authenticity checks, any notarisation, translation, embassy work and delivery have separate timescales. We explain the complete requested package before you proceed.
Does an MHRA medical-device CFS cover medicines and cosmetics?
This service page concerns medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs). Medicines, cosmetics and other products can need different certificates. Send the actual document and product description so we can identify the appropriate document service.
Request a CFS document review for Russia
Contact Ginkgo Advisory with the certificate and recipient’s checklist. We will first assess whether we can accept the proposed instruction, then quote for suitable solicitor certification, any required professional preparation, the eligible express apostille stage and embassy legalisation where applicable.