Preparing an MHRA Certificate of Free Sale for Switzerland starts with the recipient’s written checklist. Ginkgo Advisory provides solicitor-led verification and helps you plan the correct certification and legalisation package.
Our services include 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 Switzerland require an MHRA CFS for medical devices?
Swissmedic publishes separate obligations for authorised representatives, importers and distributors under Switzerland’s medical-device and IVD rules. Switzerland is not an EU Member State, so confirm the Swiss requirements rather than relying solely on an EU document checklist.
Consult Official information for Switzerland and ask Swissmedic to clarify the particular document request.
Distinguish the Swiss representative from an EU representative
A UK manufacturer may deal with both an EU representative and a Swiss authorised representative. Identify which party requests the CFS and which Swiss importer will use it. Compare the manufacturer and device identifiers across the certificate, mandate and Swiss file. Confirm current Swiss registration obligations with the responsible operator; authentication of a UK document does not complete those registrations.
Before arranging authentication, confirm:
- Who acts as Swiss authorised representative?
- Which Swiss importer needs the document?
- Does the receiving team require a particular language?
Illustrative example: A manufacturer already works with an EU representative but receives a separate CFS request from its Swiss importer. It confirms the Swiss roles and intended use before arranging a certified document package.
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 Switzerland
Our express UK apostille service applies to the eligible FCDO stage after the document is ready. 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 Switzerland?
Switzerland 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 Switzerland
Confirm whether the recipient accepts the English certificate or requests German, French or Italian, as the recipient specifies. 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 a CFS or apostille appoint a Swiss CH-REP?
No. The Swiss authorised representative’s appointment and obligations arise separately. The certificate can support a document request but does not create the required mandate or operator registration.
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 Switzerland
Contact Ginkgo Advisory with the certificate and recipient’s checklist. We will quote for suitable solicitor certification, any required professional preparation, the eligible express apostille stage and embassy legalisation where applicable.