Amazon has revolutionized the way consumers shop for products online. From electronics and books to home improvement tools and dietary supplements, the e-commerce giant is a one-stop shop for almost everything.
If you want to grow your supplements business, selling supplements on Amazon can be an excellent way to reach millions of customers. However, selling supplements on Amazon isn’t entirely straightforward. Before you can start selling supplements on the platform, you must get approved.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get approved to sell supplements on Amazon. From account creation to certifications required, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to not only get your supplements business off the ground but also to secure the coveted approval stamp on the world’s largest online marketplace.
Requirements for Selling Supplements on Amazon in 2023
Amazon places a high priority on the safety and quality of health-related products, including supplements. To get approved to sell supplements on Amazon, you must meet the following requirements:
Create a Professional Seller Account
You must have a professional seller account to start selling supplements on Amazon. Professional seller accounts cost $39.99 monthly, plus a referral fee on each sale.
Your professional seller account must also be in good standing. This means you can’t have many canceled orders or late deliveries. If your account isn’t in good standing, consider opening a new one. However, if you have a clean track record, you can request approval to sell supplements on Amazon.
Provide Proof of Purchase
Amazon requires sellers to provide proof of purchase from a reputable manufacturer or distributor of supplements. Amazon requires proof of purchase documentation to verify that sellers are sourcing their products from legitimate suppliers.
The proof of purchase must be a qualified invoice that meets the following requirements:
- It must be dated within 180 days of submitting your application.
- It must include your name and address, matching your seller account information.
- It must include the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor.
- It must show the combined purchase of at least ten units.
Provide Product Photos
Amazon also requires sellers to provide product photos of supplements to verify their authenticity. The product photos must meet the following requirements:
- They must clearly show the name of the manufacturer or distributor.
- They must clearly indicate the product name, model number, or trademark.
- They must clearly show all sides of the product or its packaging.
- They must be actual photos, not stock photos.
When taking the photos, ensure you capture all six sides of the packaging — front, back, top, bottom, left side, and right side.
Relevant Documentation
Amazon requires sellers to submit one of the following documents to get approved on the platform, depending on the supplements they want to sell:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate
- Documents showcasing product enrollment in a third-party quality certification program
Let’s examine these documents in more detail.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that verifies the quality and safety of supplements. COAs are issued by third-party laboratories accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025. You can find a list of ISO 17025-accredited labs on the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) website.
The COA must have been issued within the past year, it must be in PDF, and it must include the following information:
- Product name
- Batch, lot number or date code of the finished product sample tested
- Test results to verify the ingredients used as indicated on the label
- Test method used
- Name, address, and ISO accreditation number of the lab issuing the certificate
- The lab’s authorized representative’s name, signature, and title
- Quantitative analysis. The ingredient names and units of measure for each ingredient must correspond to those on the COA
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate
A Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate is a document issued by an accredited third-party regulatory body verifying that a manufacturing facility meets certain quality standards. The GMP Certification ensures that supplements are produced safely, consistently and to the highest quality.
Amazon requires sellers to provide GMP Certificates in compliance with 21 CFR 111, 21 CFR 117, or both.
- 21 CFR 111: Good Manufacturing Practice in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding operations for dietary supplements.
- 21 CFR 117: Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC) for Human Food.
Some third-party organizations that provide GMP certification in the United States include:
- Eurofins
- NSF International
- Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS)
- Intertek
You can find a list of more GMP Certification bodies on the Amazon website.
Evidence of Product Enrollment in Recognized Certification Program
Amazon accepts documents from the following third-party quality certification programs:
- NSF Certified for Sport®
- BSCG Certified Drug Free®
- Informed-Choice or Informed-Sport Program
- USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program
- UL Brand Certification Program
Additional Requirements
Besides the requirements listed above, Amazon also has various specific requirements for sellers of dietary supplements. These requirements ensure sellers adhere to all applicable laws and regulations and provide customers with high-quality, safe, and effective supplements.
Some of these additional requirements include:
- Supplements must include English-language labels that list the supplement’s name, the total quantity or amount of the supplement, a ”Supplement Facts” panel, the ingredients list, and the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and address.
- Supplements must not contain ingredients the FDA has determined could cause injury or illness.
- Supplements must not contain controlled substances, such as Cannabidiol (CBD).
- Sellers must not make any false or misleading claims about the efficacy of a product, such as its ability to treat or prevent illness.
Once you provide Amazon with everything listed above, Amazon will review your information and determine whether you qualify to sell supplements on the platform. Generally, the process takes about three to four weeks, and you can start listing your products on Amazon if approved.
That said, here are some tips for getting approved to sell supplements on Amazon quickly and easily:
- Submit all required documentation: Provide all the necessary documentation, such as COA, GMP, or proof of product enrollment in a third-party certification program.
- Provide complete and accurate information: Give comprehensive and truthful product information and avoid exaggerating product benefits.
- Stay updated on restricted ingredients: Regularly check and comply with Amazon’s prohibited substances list.
- Provide timely responses: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from Amazon for faster approval and issue resolution. This can prevent issues such as Amazon removing your product listings.
Conclusion
Getting approved to sell supplements on Amazon can be daunting, but it isn’t impossible. Following the steps and tips outlined in this guide can boost your chances of getting approved quickly and easily.
Want to start selling supplements on Amazon? At Matsun Nutrition, we make it easy to get started. With our minimum order quantity of just a dozen bottles, we can help you get your supplements business up and running in no time. Plus, we include free label designs for all private label orders, so you won’t have to worry about spending a dime on labeling.
And that’s not all! We also offer a wide range of liquid supplements and vitamins with custom formulations. Ready to take the next step towards a thriving supplement enterprise? Contact us today to get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are many benefits to selling supplements on Amazon. Amazon has a vast customer base of over 300 million users worldwide. This means you have the potential to reach a large number of potential customers with your products.
Additionally, Amazon is a trusted brand. Customers know they can find high-quality products on the e-commerce platform and are more likely to purchase from a seller with a good reputation on the platform.
Finally, Amazon offers various features and tools to help you sell more products. For example, you can use Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon program to store, pick, pack, and ship your products hassle-free.
To apply to sell supplements on Amazon, you must submit an application to Amazon’s Seller Central portal. The application will request you to provide information about your business, products, and suppliers.
To get approved to sell supplements on Amazon quickly and easily, ensure you provide all the required documents, clear product photos, and complete and accurate information in your application. Also, respond to any requests for additional information from Amazon promptly.
To sell supplements on Amazon, you must create a Professional Seller Account. The Professional Seller Account costs $39.99 per month and allows you to sell unlimited products. However, Amazon charges a referral fee on each sale. The referral fee for supplements is 15% of the final price.
No, sellers don’t need FDA approval to sell supplements on Amazon. However, sellers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the FDA Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
Under DSHEA, supplement manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products. They must also label their products accurately.
