Supplement certifications play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of dietary supplements.
Do You Know: A study by CHPA revealed that 15-20% of supplement manufacturers’ operational budget is spent on compliance-related expenses, including certifications.
For supplement manufacturers, acquiring the right certifications can mean a boost in market credibility, enhanced consumer trust, and ability to gain a competitive edge.
Here’s a detailed look at the key supplement certifications manufacturers need to consider.
1. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification
GMP certification is the essential supplement certification that manufacturers need to showcase they consistently produce and control their production according to quality standards. The certification covers all aspects of production, including raw materials, facilities, equipment, and staff training.
Key Requirements:
- Establish and maintain a quality management system.
- Regular internal audits to ensure compliance.
- Strict hygiene and sanitation procedures.
- Comprehensive documentation and record-keeping.
Why Pursue This?
Compliance with GMP is often a legal requirement in many markets and serves as a fundamental certification for ensuring product safety and quality.
Certifying Bodies:
NSF International, UL, Natural Products Association (NPA).
2. Halal Certification
Halal certification is another key supplement certification that ensures products comply with Islamic dietary laws, covering sourcing, processing, and handling requirements.
Key Requirements:
- Verification of all ingredients and manufacturing processes.
- Facility audits by recognized halal certifiers.
Read More: Halal Certification for Vitamins, Supplements, and Nutraceuticals
Why Pursue This?
Halal certification is the single third-party supplement certification that opens up access to a whopping market of over 2 billion consumers globally. Getting halal certified is essential for supplement manufacturers to access Muslim markets globally, both locally and for exports.
Check Out: Live Halal Certification ROI Calculator
Certifying Bodies:
American Halal Foundation (AHF), Canadian Halal Bureau (CHB), and other recognized halal certifiers.
3. Informed-Choice / Informed-Sport Certification
These supplement certifications focus on minimizing the risk of banned substances in supplements. Informed-Sport offers more stringent testing by certifying each production batch.
Key Requirements:
- Rigorous testing of raw materials and finished products.
- Regular facility inspections and process reviews.
Why Pursue This?
This certification is essential for products targeting professional athletes who need assurance that their supplements are safe and compliant with sports regulations.
Certifying Bodies:
LGC Group, Eurofins USA
4. Non-GMO Project Verified
Non-GMO Project Verified is another key supplement certification, which ensures products do not contain genetically modified organisms, aligning with consumer demand for clean-label products.
Key Requirements:
- Ingredient traceability and segregation.
- Regular inspections and audits of manufacturing processes.
Why Pursue This?
Non-GMO certifications are on a significant rise as they greatly appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for natural and sustainable options.
Certifying Body:
Non-GMO Project.
5. Gluten-Free Certification
Gluten-Free certification verifies that the supplement does not contain gluten, adhering to stringent standards for gluten presence.
Key Requirements:
- Testing of raw materials and finished products for gluten.
- Facility audits to prevent cross-contamination.
Why Pursue This?
Gluten-free certification for supplements is in high demand for consumers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Certifying Bodies:
GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization), NSF.
6. Certified Organic (USDA Organic)
The USDA Organic certification for supplements guarantees that the product’s ingredients are grown and processed according to organic farming standards.
Key Requirements:
- No synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.
- Certified organic facilities and processes.
Why Pursue This?
The organic certifications for supplements is worth pursuing as it helps tap into the substantially growing consumer demand for organic and environmentally friendly products.
Certifying Body:
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
7. USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Verified
USP Verified certification will make sure that supplements contain the ingredients listed on the label, in the declared potency and amounts.
Key Requirements:
- Testing for contaminants, potency, and dissolution.
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audits.
Why Pursue This?
The USP certification for supplements is recognized globally as a mark of trust and quality, adding significant credibility to the brand.
Certifying Body:
United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
8. Vegan Certification
Vegan certification for supplements confirms that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
Key Requirements:
- Verification of all ingredients and processes to be animal-free.
- Strict facility inspections to avoid cross-contamination with non-vegan products.
Why Pursue This?
Vegan certification for supplements may be worth pursuing to address the rapidly growing vegan market segment, which seeks products aligning with ethical and dietary standards.
- Certifying Bodies: Vegan Society, Vegan Action.
9. Allergen-Free Certifications (Free From)
Allergen-free certification(s) confirm that supplements are free from specific allergens such as dairy, soy, nuts, etc.
Key Requirements:
- Detailed allergen control and testing protocols.
- Facility audits to ensure allergen-free processes.
Why Pursue This?
Allergen free certifications are important as they are quite crucial to populations with allergies or dietary sensitivities.
Certifying Bodies:
Various, including NSF and independent testing laboratories.
Checklist of Key Supplement Certifications:
Allergen-free certification(s) confirm that supplements are free from specific allergens such as dairy, soy, nuts, etc.
Key Requirements:
- Detailed allergen control and testing protocols.
- Facility audits to ensure allergen-free processes.
Why Pursue This?
Allergen free certifications are important as they are quite crucial to populations with allergies or dietary sensitivities.
Certifying Bodies:
Various, including NSF and independent testing laboratories.
Checklist of Key Supplement Certifications:
| Certification | Key Certifying Body | Key Requirements Checklist |
| GMP Certification | NSF, UL, NPA |  Quality managementSanitationDocumentation |
| Halal Certification | American Halal Foundation, Canadian Halal Bureau | Ingredient verificationHalal process adherence |
| Informed-Choice/Sport | LGC Group | Testing for banned substancesFacility inspections |
| Non-GMO Project Verified | Non-GMO Project | Ingredient traceabilitySegregation |
| USP Verified | United States Pharmacopeia | Contaminant testingPotency checks |
| USDA Organic | USDA | No synthetic inputsCertified organic processes |
| Gluten-Free | GFCO, NSF | Gluten testingCross-contamination audits |
| Vegan | Vegan Society, Vegan Action | Animal-free verificationFacility checks |
| Allergen-Free | Various, including NSF | Allergen controlFacility checks |
Third-Party Certifications as a Strategic Investment!
Investment into third-party supplement certifications must be viewed and treated as strategic investments that enhance marketability and consumer confidence, especially as the market for dietary supplements continues to expand.
Interested in exploring halal certification for supplements & vitamins? Click here to obtain a no-obligation customized quotation for your organization!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What Are the Costs Associated with Supplement Certifications?
A: Costs for certifications can vary widely but generally include application fees, audits, product testing, and ongoing compliance costs. On average, maintaining compliance with certifications can consume 20% of a manufacturer’s operational budget.
Q2. How Does Halal Certification Help Supplement Manufacturers?
A: Halal certification helps expand a manufacturer’s reach into a rapidly growing market segment of 2 billion consumers that prioritizes halal products.
Q3. How Do Gluten-Free Certifications Impact Supplement Production?
A: Gluten-Free certification is essential for manufacturers targeting consumers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It verifies that the product is free from gluten and that manufacturing processes prevent cross-contamination
