How to sell supplements on Amazon?
How to sell supplements on Amazon? Want to tap into a marketplace where 300 million active buyers are already searching for your products? But here’s the catch: breaking into this goldmine isn’t as simple as slapping a label on a bottle and hitting “list.” Amazon has strict regulations, gated categories, and a rigorous approval process Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling an existing supplement line, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to get your supplements listed on Amazon. Let’s get started: Amazon’s policy on supplements Here is a table summarizing Amazon’s policy on selling dietary supplements: Category Amazon’s Requirements Approval Required Yes, sellers need approval from Amazon to list dietary supplements. Documentation Needed – Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab. – Letter of Guarantee (LoG) from the manufacturer. Letter of Guarantee (LoG) Requirements – Printed on company letterhead. – Full product name as listed on the label. – Assurance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance. – Statement that ingredients comply with FDA regulations (section 402(f) of the FD&C Act). – Confirmation of safe active ingredient concentrations. Labeling Compliance It must meet FDA regulations (21 CFR 101.36) and USP <565> for botanical extracts. Incorrect labeling can result in product deactivation. Restrictions on Certain Supplements Immune-related supplements and certain botanical extracts may face additional scrutiny or restrictions. Common Reasons for Rejection – Inaccurate ingredient labeling. – Expired or missing COA. – Failure to comply with FDA supplement labeling standards. Penalties for Non-Compliance Listings may be removed, and accounts may face suspension for violations. Make sure your product complies with these guidelines before attempting to list it on Amazon. Does Amazon require FDA approval to sell supplements? Key factors to consider are FDA approval and rules for selling supplements on Amazon. Under DSHEA, the FDA regulates dietary supplements but does not approve them. The FDA does not require supplements to prove they are safe or effective for people. However, the FDA can act against a supplement if it is dangerous or falsely marketed, which is different from how it handles medicines. Amazon imposes very rigorous requirements, even stronger than basic FDA standards. A new compliance policy starts on April 2, 2024. Sellers must demonstrate product safety and truthfulness, which requires approved third-party testing. This testing will check whether GMP regulations are met, check for contaminants, ensure that ingredients are labeled correctly, and confirm that no undeclared drugs are present. In short, Amazon goes above and beyond to demand proof of safety and truthfulness of labeling for its products. The FDA doesn’t require sellers to get pre-approval for supplements on Amazon. However, sellers must show that they follow Amazon’s strict rules. These policies comply with and exceed FDA regulations, which focus on protecting the consumer and the integrity of the product. Steps to sell Supplements on Amazon: Step 1: Sign up to Seller Central Before selling, you need an Amazon Seller account. Visit sell.amazon.com and click the “Sign up” button. If you already have an Amazon customer account, you can use those credentials, or you can create a new account with a business email. Choosing Between Individual vs. Professional Selling Plans Individual Plan $0.99 per sale (no monthly fee). Best for sellers who list fewer than 40 products a month. Limited access to advanced selling tools. Professional Plan $39.99 per month (unlimited listings). Required for FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and brand registry. Access to Amazon Advertising, bulk listing tools, and analytics. Recommendation: If you plan to sell supplements at scale, you will do best with the Professional plan. Provide Your Business Information: Firstly, enter your legal business name, address, and contact details. Select your business type (e.g., LLC, sole proprietor, etc.). If you’re an individual without a registered business, you can choose “None, I am an individual.” Provide a valid credit card for billing and a bank account where Amazon will deposit your earnings. Verify Your Identity: You need to upload a government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license). After that, submit a recent bank or credit card statement (dated within the last 180 days) as proof of address. Ensure documents are high-quality, color images showing all four corners. You may need to schedule a video call with an Amazon associate to confirm your identity. Have your ID and proof of address ready for this step. Set Up Your Seller Profile: Choose a unique store name that reflects your brand (this can be changed later if needed). Answer questions about your products, such as whether you have UPC codes (if unsure, you can say “Yes” for now) and if you’re the brand owner or manufacturer. Step 2: Select the right category Most supplements fall under the “Vitamins & Dietary Supplements” category. If yours is in a different one, choose it accordingly. Health & Household → Vitamins & Dietary Supplements However, there are some gated categories in supplements where Amazon requires prior approval before listing. Examples include Weight loss supplements, Sexual well-being supplements and Certain ingredient supplements (for example: melatonin and CBD) If your supplement falls into a gated category, follow the steps below: Apply through Seller Central. Provide the required invoices from authorized suppliers showing a minimum of 3 recent orders. Show product compliance documentation (COA, GMP, FDA registration, etc). Step 3: Make Your Product Compliant with Amazon’s policy The rules from Amazon standards concerning supplements should be strictly followed to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products. Avoid Prohibited Elements Any supplements containing the following substances are prohibited for sale: DMAA (stimulatory substance banned by FDA) Kratom (prohibited in certain states) Ephedra (banned by FDA) Any anabolic steroids Avoid Unapproved Health Claims Amazon prohibits the sale of supplements that present: Drug claims (e.g., “cures diabetes,” “treats depression”) False claims (e.g., “100% effective,” “FDA-approved”) Untested weight loss claims (e.g., “Lose 10 lbs in a week”) Instead, use Structure/Function claims (e.g., “supports immune health”). Also include: “This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not
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