How to Get a Resale Certificate from a US Company? Key Steps Revealed

How to Ensure a U.S. Company Smoothly Issues a Resale Certificate Revealing the Secrets Behind the Process

In today’s globalized business environment, the complexity of international trade continues to increase-especially when it comes to intellectual property, export controls, and compliance requirements. For many companies, particularly in high-tech industries such as electronics, medical devices, and aerospace, obtaining a resale certificate from a U.S. company has become a critical task. This document is not only essential for legally entering a target market but also directly impacts a company’s compliance standing and business reputation.

What Is a Resale Certificate?

A resale certificate is typically a formal document issued by the original manufacturer or authorized supplier, certifying that a product was legally purchased and authorized for resale. In certain contexts-especially within export control and trade compliance-it may also include information about the product's intended use, the end-user, and whether it complies with specific export regulations such as the U.S. Export Administration Regulations EAR.

In practice, resale certificates are commonly used to

Prove the legal origin of goods to customs or regulatory authorities

Support applications for export licenses

Demonstrate that products will not be used for military or sensitive purposes

Serve as a compliance document required by customers or regulators

Why Is It Difficult to Obtain a Resale Certificate?

Although a resale certificate may appear to be a standard document, many companies face delays, rejections, or requests for extensive additional documentation when applying to U.S. companies. Several key reasons explain this

1. Heightened Awareness of Compliance Risks

In recent years, the U.S. has significantly tightened export controls, especially regarding technologies such as semiconductors and AI chips. U.S. companies are increasingly cautious about issuing resale certificates, as they must ensure their products are not used in ways that violate U.S. laws-otherwise, they could face heavy fines or even criminal liability.

2. Complex Procedures and Poor Internal Coordination

Large U.S. companies often have dedicated compliance or export control departments, but communication between these teams and sales or customer service departments is not always efficient. Some companies report contacting sales representatives multiple times without success, only to later discover that formal applications must be submitted through the compliance department.

3. Strict Scrutiny of End-User Information

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security BIS, certain products require detailed end-user information-and sometimes even an End-User Statement-before being exported or resold. If this information is incomplete or unclear, U.S. companies are unlikely to issue a resale certificate.

4. Lack of Standard Templates and Procedures

Different companies have varying formats, requirements, and levels of detail for resale certificates. Some even lack ready-made templates, making the application process cumbersome and unpredictable.

How to Increase the Chances of Success

To ensure a U.S. company issues a resale certificate smoothly, companies must take a proactive, precise, and compliant approach. Here are several strategies to improve success rates

1. Determine Whether the Product Is Subject to Export Controls

Before purchasing from a U.S. supplier, companies should first verify whether the product is listed on the Commerce Control List CCL and identify its Export Control Classification Number ECCN. Products involving specific technologies-such as communications, radar, or high-performance computing-are likely to undergo stricter scrutiny.

For example, in July 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed new restrictions on the export of certain AI chips, requiring exporters to obtain licenses before selling specific high-performance chips to certain countries. In this context, U.S. companies have become even more cautious about issuing resale certificates.

2. Prepare Complete End-User Information

U.S. companies typically require the following details before issuing a resale certificate

The end-user’s company name, address, and contact information

A description of the product’s intended use

Whether the use involves military or sensitive industries

Whether an End-User Statement or agreement has been signed

Some U.S. companies even require the end-user to sign a confirmation document directly. Therefore, companies should proactively communicate with the end-user to gather all necessary documentation in advance.

3. Communicate Clearly and Avoid Misunderstandings

Many obstacles in the application process stem from unclear communication. When contacting a U.S. company via email or during meetings, it’s essential to clearly specify

The specific purpose of the resale certificate e.g., customs clearance, license application, customer requirement

Whether an English version is needed

Any time-sensitive requirements

Whether all necessary background information has been provided

It is often more effective to contact the compliance or export control department directly, rather than relying solely on sales representatives. Sales teams may not be fully aware of the relevant procedures or authority, which can lead to delays.

4. Build Long-Term Relationships with U.S. Partners

If a company maintains a long-term business relationship with a U.S. supplier, it’s advisable to include the issuance of resale certificates as a service clause in contracts or procurement agreements. This allows the company to formally request the certificate based on contractual obligations.

Additionally, maintaining regular communication with the U.S. company’s compliance team and staying updated on policy and procedural changes can help avoid unexpected disruptions.

5. Seek Support from Professional Third Parties

In complex cases, companies may consider hiring professional trade compliance consultants or agencies to assist with the process. These experts are well-versed in U.S. export control regulations and internal procedures at various companies, and can significantly improve the chances of success.

For example, in September 2025, a Chinese tech company was initially denied a resale certificate from a U.S. chip supplier due to incomplete end-user information. After hiring a third-party compliance firm to organize the documentation and directly communicate with the U.S. company’s compliance department, the certificate was successfully obtained.

Conclusion

Ensuring that a U.S. company issues a resale certificate smoothly is not only a necessary step in maintaining compliance but also a key factor in facilitating international trade. In today’s increasingly complex global trade environment, proactive planning, clear communication, and strict adherence to compliance procedures will be essential for companies to overcome challenges and seize business opportunities.