Do I need to apply for a production license when looking for a factory to produce supplements?

To find a factory to produce supplements is to take a product plan or brand and find a qualified and capable factory to process the functional supplements you want. Many formula holders are not very clear about whether they need to apply for a production license, and it takes a long time in the preparation process. Below we will introduce in detail the specific procedures for the processing and manufacturing of functional supplements.

Is it necessary to obtain a production license when finding a factory to manufacture supplements?

No, you don't. Firstly, the production license is a qualification for the manufacturing enterprise. Secondly, brand owners or distributors do not engage in the processing and production of functional supplements; instead, they locate factories for production. Therefore, you don't need to obtain a production license. However, other qualifications are still required to ensure the legitimacy of both parties' collaboration in supplement manufacturing.

What qualifications are needed to find a factory to produce supplements?

1. Business license

 This is a prerequisite for engaging a factory for processing. Both parties involved in the production must possess legitimate entity information, reflected in the product label as the "commissioning party (company)" and the "commissioned party (company)." It's crucial to note that health supplements fall under the category of food; thus, the business scope of the business license needs to include "pre-packaged food sales."

2. Business license

When finding a factory to produce supplements, the operating permit might not need to be submitted for factory review. However, subsequent product circulation requires this permit. In other words, after commissioning the production to a factory, you must possess the corresponding circulation qualifications to conduct normal business activities.

3. Brand qualification

Branding is not mandatory for health supplement processing. Acquiring a brand trademark is flexible and can be obtained through registration, transfer, authorization, etc. Specifically, a registered trademark can be in the form of a TM mark with relevant department acceptance documents or an R mark with a trademark registration certificate.

4.FDA registration and certification

This is required to be registered and certified in the United States, so that supplements can be put on the market in strict accordance with business standards. This is responsible for consumers and an important reference for brand owners to establish a good image. Brand owners or distributors do not need to register with the FDA. Once there is a problem with the product, it will be severely punished by the FDA regulatory agency. Of course, there are similar registration agencies in other countries and regions, and their requirements and review standards are also different. The supplement products launched by brand owners must meet local market needs and operate within the scope of permission from government regulatory authorities.

The aforementioned qualifications need to be prepared by yourself. If you choose to supply the raw materials and packaging for the supplement manufacturing project, you should also pay attention to collecting and organizing other relevant qualifications. Although initially, these might not be handled by you directly, you should request comprehensive documentation from your suppliers. This includes the supplier's business license, operating permit, and valid certificates for the corresponding raw material batches.

As a brand owner finding a factory to produce supplements, you don't need to obtain a production license. However, as the commissioning party, it's essential to organize all necessary documents such as the business license, operating permit, brand qualifications, and required procedures for raw materials. This is a necessary assurance for the compliance of supplements commissioned for production by the factory on behalf of the brand owner.