China supplies a large share of the world's supplement ingredients and finished products, and the range of suppliers is just as wide. This checklist covers what to check before you place a first order, in the order you will meet each step.
1. Check registrations and certificates
Ask for copies, and check that the scope on each document covers the product you are buying.
- Business licence and import and export licence
- Export food production enterprise registration with China Customs (GACC)
- Food safety management certification, such as ISO 22000, HACCP or GMP
- Any certificate the supplier advertises, such as organic, kosher or halal, with its validity dates
2. Ask for the right documents with a quotation
- Specification sheet: ingredients, active content, appearance, test methods and limits.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): the test results for an actual batch, set against the specification.
- Contaminant testing: heavy metals, microbiology and, for botanical ingredients, pesticide residues.
- Allergen and origin statements if your market or retailer requires them.
3. Use the sample stage properly
The sample is where problems are cheapest to fix. Before approving it, check:
- Appearance, colour, size and smell, and taste where relevant
- That the sample matches the written specification, not just the photo
- The shell or coating material, if you need a vegetarian product
- How the sample was packed and whether it arrived in good condition
Keep part of the approved sample. It is your reference if a later batch looks different.
4. Agree the commercial terms in writing
- Minimum order quantity for this product and this packaging
- Lead time for the first order and for repeat orders
- Price terms (EXW, FOB, CIF) and what they include
- Packing: bulk, or finished retail packs with your label
- What happens if a batch fails the agreed specification
5. Confirm the rules in your own market
Supplement rules differ between the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and within the EU from country to country. Labelling, permitted ingredients and permitted claims all vary. The legal responsibility sits with the importer or brand owner, so confirm the requirements before you finalize the formula and the label, not after production.
Warning signs
- No specification sheet or COA until after payment
- Certificates past their validity date
- Health or disease claims offered as selling points
- A price far below every other quotation for the same specification
- Reluctance to send a sample
If you would like to test us against this list, send an inquiry with your product idea and target market. Our registrations and certificates are shown on the home page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay for a sample?
Paying a reasonable sample fee is normal for custom formulas, because materials have to be sourced and a small batch run. Many suppliers credit the fee against the first order.
Who is responsible for compliance in my market?
The importer or brand owner placing the product on the market. A good supplier provides the documents you need, but you should confirm the rules for your product with your importer or a regulatory adviser.
