How do you export health supplements?
Global Export Strategy for Vitamin, Probiotics, and Ginseng Products
Market Overview
The global health supplement market is approximately $200 billion. Following COVID-19, there has been a surge in demand due to increased interest in immunity, with Korean ginseng and probiotics products gaining popularity.
Key Export Markets
The major markets include the United States (FDA DSHEA), China (Health Food Registration), Japan (Functional Labeling Foods), the EU (Novel Food), and Southeast Asia. The regulations regarding the boundary between food and pharmaceuticals vary by country.
Mandatory Certification
You will need GMP (health functional food), FDA facility registration (USA), health food registration (China), halal/kosher certification, and organic certification. Regulations regarding functional labeling vary by country.
Buyer Types
There are specialized health supplement distributors, pharmacy chains, large supermarkets/supermarkets, online malls (such as iHerb), and home shopping networks.
Major Exhibitions
Notable events include Vitafoods Europe (Switzerland, May), SupplySide West (USA, October), Natural Products Expo (USA, March), and CPHI (Europe, October).
Buyer Type
Health supplement distributor
Specialized importer/distributor of health supplements
Pharmacy chain
Drugstore chains such as CVS and Walgreens
Online Health Mall
Online health supplement platforms like iHerb and Amazon
Mandatory Certification
Major Exhibitions
| common.tableHeaders.tradeShowName | common.tableHeaders.location | common.tableHeaders.period |
|---|---|---|
| Vitafoods Europe | Geneva, Switzerland | May |
| SupplySide West | Las Vegas, USA | October |
| Natural Products Expo West | Anaheim, USA | March |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it possible to make functional claims in the United States?
A. Structure/Function Claims can be made without prior FDA approval, but claims related to the treatment/prevention of diseases are classified as drugs and are not permitted. Expressions like 'boosting immunity' are allowed, but 'cancer prevention' is not.
Q. Is registering health products in China difficult?
A. Yes, registering health supplements in China (Blue Hat) involves a rigorous process that can take 2 to 3 years, including clinical trials. You may also consider a strategy of entering as a general food (non-health food) and then expanding.