Shipping Supplements and Vitamins: Compliance Guide

"We had 500 bottles of probiotics sitting in a FedEx Ground trailer in Phoenix for three days in July. Every single bottle arrived with dead cultures. The product tested at zero CFU. We refunded $12,000 in orders that week."

That quote is from a supplement brand founder in a private Slack group I'm part of. It's the kind of loss that can sink a small business. And it was entirely preventable with the right shipping strategy.

Dietary supplements are a $60 billion industry in the US, and a growing chunk of that is sold online. But supplements aren't just another product you toss in a box. They're regulated by the FDA, restricted by some carriers, banned from import by many countries, and vulnerable to heat, cold, and moisture damage. If you're selling supplements online, you need to understand all of these dimensions.

FDA Basics: What You're Actually Selling

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, dietary supplements are regulated as a category of food — not drugs. This distinction matters enormously. If you're selling supplements, understanding how they're classified can save you from significant compliance headaches.

What Qualifies as a Dietary Supplement

Dietary supplements include a wide range of products such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, organ tissues, concentrates, and probiotics. These are generally recognized as safe and are classified under the food category. For example, Vitamin C, calcium, turmeric, and lactobacillus strains all qualify as dietary supplements. This classification is crucial because it affects how you label and ship these products. Misclassification can lead to your shipments being rejected or delayed.

What Is NOT a Supplement (Even If Sold Like One)

Not all products that look like supplements are classified as such. Products like CBD can vary in classification by state and are often considered drug ingredients by the FDA, which impacts shipping due to variable restrictions. Similarly, kratom is unregulated and banned in some states, which means some carriers refuse to ship it. Products claiming to treat diseases or containing nicotine are classified as drugs or tobacco products, respectively, and are subject to much stricter regulations. Mislabeling these products can lead to severe consequences, including having your shipping account suspended.

Labeling Requirements That Affect Shipping

Labeling supplements correctly is non-negotiable. Each product must have compliant labeling to avoid being classified as misbranded, which could result in the FDA seizing your inventory.

Required Label Elements

Every bottle of supplements must carry specific information on its label. This includes a statement of identity like "Dietary Supplement" on the principal display panel, net quantity of contents, and a Supplement Facts panel detailing active ingredients and their amounts. Additionally, the label must list other ingredients in descending order, the name and address of the manufacturer, and directions for use. If applicable, cautionary statements regarding pregnancy or allergens must be included. These elements are crucial because incorrect labeling can halt your shipping operations and invite regulatory scrutiny.

The Claims Problem

What you say about your supplement is just as important as how you package it. Legal claims include structure/function claims like "supports immune health" and nutrient content claims such as "high in Vitamin C." However, health or drug claims like "cures arthritis" are illegal for supplements and can lead to FDA or FTC action against your product. Shipping a product with illegal claims can lead to carriers stopping your shipments or even shutting down your online sales.

Carrier Rules for Supplements

The good news is that standard dietary supplements in capsule, tablet, or powder form generally ship without special restrictions through major carriers. They're classified as food products, which simplifies logistics.

Standard Supplement Shipping

USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all allow the shipping of dietary supplements without special restrictions. However, international shipments must comply with the destination country's rules. It's important to note that while domestic shipping is straightforward, international compliance can vary, and you must be aware of the specific regulations of the country you're shipping to.

Products That DO Have Restrictions

Certain products do come with restrictions. Liquid supplements with high alcohol content are considered flammable and must be shipped via ground under limited quantity rules. Aerosol supplements, due to their pressurized containers, also have ground shipping restrictions. Supplements requiring dry ice for cold chain maintenance are classified as hazardous materials and require special packaging and labeling. CBD supplements have a legal gray area, with USPS allowing hemp-derived CBD, but policies from UPS and FedEx are evolving. Kratom's legality varies by state, and some carriers refuse to ship it altogether.

Temperature and Stability Concerns

Supplements have specific storage needs to maintain their efficacy, making shipping particularly challenging. Unlike most e-commerce products, supplements can become ineffective if exposed to extreme temperatures.

Temperature Sensitivity by Product Type

Different supplements have varying levels of heat and cold tolerance. Standard capsules and tablets are generally stable up to 120°F and down to 32°F, posing a low shipping risk. However, softgels and gummy vitamins are more sensitive to heat, risking melting during summer months. Probiotics are highly sensitive to temperatures over 85°F, which can kill the active cultures, rendering the product ineffective. It's crucial to understand these sensitivities to avoid shipping losses.

The Probiotic Problem

Probiotics are notably sensitive. Many strains die if exposed to temperatures above 85°F, which can happen easily during transit in the summer. This can result in a product that appears fine but offers no health benefits. Strategies to mitigate this include selecting shelf-stable strains, adding overages to account for die-off, and using insulated packaging with cold packs during warmer months. Some brands even opt for expedited shipping during the summer to minimize exposure to high temperatures, accepting the higher shipping cost as a necessary investment to maintain product quality.

Gummy Vitamin Shipping

Gummy vitamins pose a challenge because they can melt and fuse in high temperatures. While technically safe to consume, a fused mass of gummies is unappealing to customers. To prevent this, use expedited shipping and insulated packaging during warmer months. Some companies offer a "melt guarantee," reshipping products if they arrive melted, which can help maintain customer trust and satisfaction.

International Shipping: The Minefield

Shipping supplements internationally is fraught with complications. Every country has its own regulations, and failing to comply can result in customs seizures.

Country-by-Country Overview

Shipping supplements to countries like Canada, the UK, or the EU involves navigating complex regulations. Canada allows personal supplies of up to 90 days, but commercial imports require a Natural Product Number. The EU has strict regulations under its Food Supplements Directive, often banning ingredients commonly found in US supplements. Australia and Japan also have stringent regulations, requiring approval from their respective health authorities. Understanding these regulations is vital to avoid customs issues.

Common International Seizure Scenarios

Certain products are particularly prone to seizure. For instance, melatonin is classified as a drug in the EU, leading to seizures if shipped there. High-dose vitamins may exceed Japanese limits, and substances like DHEA or testosterone boosters are often classified as controlled substances in many countries. Protein powders have also been seized in Australia due to ingredient restrictions.

The Safe Approach to International

To minimize risks when shipping internationally, research the destination country's rules before accepting orders. Use precise customs descriptions and include a commercial invoice with an exact ingredient list. Warn customers about potential customs seizures and consider excluding high-risk countries from your shipping options altogether.

Packaging Best Practices

Proper packaging is critical to ensure your supplements arrive intact and effective.

Standard Supplement Orders

For typical orders of 1-3 bottles, ensure bottle caps are tight to prevent spillage. Wrap bottles in bubble wrap or kraft paper if shipping in a larger box, and use void fill to prevent movement. Poly mailers are suitable for single bottles of tablets or capsules, while glass bottles require bubble mailers for added protection.

Subscription Box Shipping

For subscription models, consistent box sizes and padding are essential for efficient fulfillment and customer satisfaction. Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays, and switch to insulated mailers for probiotics during summer months to protect them from heat exposure.

Lot Numbers, Expiration Dates, and Recalls

Why Tracking Matters for Shipping

Each supplement bottle should have a lot number and expiration date, crucial for several reasons. Carriers may refuse products that are visibly expired. In the event of a recall, tracking lot numbers helps identify affected shipments. Additionally, customers receiving nearly expired products may leave negative reviews, so ensure products have at least six months of shelf life remaining.

cGMP Warehouse Requirements

Whether you store supplements in a warehouse or your garage, adhering to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) is essential. Maintain temperature control between 59-77°F to prevent product degradation, and keep humidity below 60% to avoid clumping and mold. Regular pest inspections and using sealed storage containers are also necessary to prevent FDA violations. Implement a first-in, first-out inventory system to avoid shipping expired products, and keep storage areas clean and free from contaminants.

Supplements are a complex product category with numerous shipping and compliance considerations. Those who take the time to understand temperature management, labeling compliance, and international restrictions can build scalable businesses. Those who neglect these aspects risk costly errors, like shipping a pallet of dead probiotics, or receiving a warning letter from the FDA that disrupts their operations.