Introduction: Can You Really Just Start Selling Supplements?

Thinking of launching a vitamin brand? You’ve got your logo, your flavor, your formula… but before you hit “add to cart” on 10,000 bottles, let’s talk about something a little less flashy — compliance.

One of the most common questions we hear at Enhanced Labs is:
 Do I need a license to sell vitamins and supplements?

The answer: it depends. But don’t stress — we’ve helped dozens of brands navigate this space legally, safely, and successfully. This blog covers what licenses or approvals you do (and don’t) need, depending on your business model.

Understanding Supplement Regulations

Dietary supplements are regulated in the U.S. under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The key takeaway? Supplements are regulated as food — not drugs.

That means:

  • No FDA pre-approval is needed to sell a supplement
  • BUT your product must follow strict rules on labeling, safety, and claims

Do You Need a License to Sell Vitamins and Supplements?

Let’s break it down by role:

1. You’re a Brand/Reseller (Working With a Manufacturer like Enhanced Labs)

You do not need an FDA license, but you do need to ensure:

  • Your manufacturer (us) is GMP-certified
  • Your product is labeled according to FDA guidelines
  • You don’t make illegal health claims (e.g., “cures cancer”)

You may also need a business license in your local state or city — just like any other business.

2. You’re Manufacturing In-House

If you plan to produce supplements yourself, you’ll need:

  • GMP certification
  • FDA facility registration
  • Ongoing testing, safety audits, and compliance

Pro tip: This is why most brands partner with Enhanced Labs — we handle all of this for you.

Selling Supplements Online — Do You Need a License?

If you’re launching a Shopify, Amazon, or DTC website, the rules are simple:

You don’t need a supplement-specific license, but you do need:

  • A valid business license or LLC
  • Product made in a GMP-certified facility
  • Accurate supplement facts and compliant label claims
  • Terms and disclaimers on your website

Amazon-specific:

  • You’ll need to submit COAs (Certificates of Analysis)
  • Some categories require approval from Amazon (we help with that)

Selling Supplements Internationally

Want to ship outside the U.S.? Each country has its own rules. For example:

  • Canada requires Natural Product Numbers (NPNs)
  • EU requires ingredient registration and proper language translations
  • Australia has TGA compliance rules

We’ve helped clients go global — and can guide you through labeling and testing requirements for export.

Legal Pitfalls to Avoid

Making Disease Claims
 You can’t say your product “treats,” “prevents,” or “cures” a disease. Stick with structure/function claims like:
 “Supports healthy bones” instead of  “Cures osteoporosis”

Skipping 3rd-Party Testing
 Amazon, retailers, and smart customers want proof. We offer batch-level testing for potency, heavy metals, microbes, and more.

Mislabeling
 Make sure:

  • All active ingredients are listed correctly
  • Dosages match what’s in the product
  • Labels include disclaimers, contact info, and serving sizes

(We’ll check all this during our label approval process.)

Enhanced Labs Keeps You Compliant from Day One

Here’s how we make launching your brand easy:

✅ GMP-certified 50,000 sq ft manufacturing facility
 ✅ In-house R&D and formulation
 ✅ Compliant supplement labels + packaging support
 ✅ COAs and lab testing on every product batch
 ✅ Optional Amazon-ready documentation
 ✅ Export support for international markets

We’ll even review your claims and website copy to ensure you’re within legal limits.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to register my supplement with the FDA?
 No — but your manufacturer must follow FDA GMP guidelines and be registered.

Q: Can I sell private label supplements online?
 Absolutely. Just make sure your supplier (like us) meets compliance standards.

Q: Do I need a license for each state?
 No federal license is needed. Some states may require a resale certificate or business license.

Ready to Launch Your Brand Safely?

You focus on building a great brand — we’ll make sure it’s compliant, tested, and ready to sell.

Contact Enhanced Labs to start your supplement line with full peace of mind.