Can You Send Supplements Internationally? A Comprehensive Guide

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

The global wellness supplement market is projected to reach US $375.97 billion by 2030, but expanding internationally requires navigating a complex web of regulations. Every country has unique rules governing the import of health products, and failure to comply can lead to costly delays, fines, or confiscation of goods.

Quick Summary

Shipping supplements internationally is possible but requires strict adherence to each destination country's regulations. Key factors include researching country-specific rules, preparing accurate customs documentation, understanding import limits, and being aware of prohibited ingredients to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.

Key Points

Regulations Vary by Country: Supplement legality, dosage limits, and classification differ significantly, so research the destination country's specific rules meticulously.
Accurate Documentation is Mandatory: Missing or incorrect customs forms, commercial invoices, or Certificates of Analysis are the leading causes of shipping delays and product seizures.
Distinguish Personal vs. Commercial Use: Many countries enforce quantity limits for personal import exemptions; exceeding these amounts requires commercial registration and licensing.
Beware of Prohibited Ingredients: A substance that is a legal supplement in your country of origin could be a banned or prescription-only item in another, leading to confiscation.
Invest in Protective Packaging: Temperature-sensitive or perishable supplements, like probiotics, require insulated and secure packaging to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality during transit.
Engage Expert Support: Partnering with an experienced customs broker or shipping carrier is highly recommended to navigate the complexities of international supplement shipping successfully.

Navigating the Global Maze of Supplement Shipping

Shipping supplements internationally is far from a straightforward process. Regulations can vary drastically from one country to the next, with some classifying certain supplements as drugs and subjecting them to much stricter controls. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the critical steps and considerations required for successful international supplement shipping.

The Critical Role of Documentation and Labeling

Accurate and complete paperwork is the backbone of any international shipment. Missing or incorrect information is one of the most common causes of delays and product seizures at customs. Proper documentation ensures transparency and compliance with import laws, which helps customs authorities correctly assess duties and taxes.

Here are the key documents and labeling best practices:

Commercial Invoice: Must be completed accurately, detailing the product name, description, quantity, and value.
Customs Declaration: Must provide a clear and detailed description of the goods, avoiding generic terms like “health supplements”. Including the correct Harmonized System (HS) code is crucial for proper classification and duty calculation.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Summarizes tests performed on the products to confirm quality and purity.
Certificate of Origin: Certifies the country where the supplements were manufactured.
Compliance with Labeling Laws: Labels must be in the destination country's language and include the full ingredient list, nutritional information, manufacturer details, and an expiration date.

Understanding Personal vs. Commercial Importation

Customs regulations often differentiate between personal and commercial imports, with much stricter rules applying to commercial quantities. Many countries offer a “personal use exemption,” which allows individuals to import a small, defined quantity of supplements for their own consumption, usually limited to a 90-day supply or a specific weight limit (e.g., 2kg in the EU). Shipments intended for resale are considered commercial and require licensing, registration, and strict adherence to manufacturing and labeling standards.

Identifying Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients

What is considered a safe dietary supplement in one country can be banned or regulated as a controlled substance in another. Common examples of prohibited or restricted ingredients include melatonin in the UK, DHEA, yohimbe, and kava kava in Australia, and ephedra in many regions. Shippers must research and verify that all ingredients in their products are permitted in the destination country to prevent confiscation. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also maintains a comprehensive list of prohibited substances that is worth consulting.

Packaging to Preserve Quality and Meet Standards

Proper packaging is essential for protecting the product's integrity during transit and complying with regulations. Many supplements, such as probiotics, are sensitive to temperature and moisture. Utilizing appropriate packaging can prevent spoilage and product waste.

Common International Supplement Shipping Restrictions


Country/Region	Import Regulations	Prohibited Ingredients/Restrictions
Canada	Personal use (under 90-day supply) generally exempt if not on prescription drug list. Commercial imports require product licensing from Health Canada.	Ingredients on Health Canada's prescription drug list.
European Union (EU)	Personal imports often limited to 2kg. Classified as 'food supplements' with specific labeling required.	Ephedra, kava kava, yohimbe, DNP, certain herbal species. Strict limits on vitamin/mineral levels.
Australia	Personal use (under 3-month supply) permissible if commercially packaged and for personal consumption. Considered 'complementary medicines'.	Hoodia, yohimbe, DHEA, specific controlled substances.
United Kingdom (UK)	Similar to EU regulations regarding food supplements and personal limits.	Melatonin (prescription only), DNP, restricted herbal ingredients.

Navigating Customs and Avoiding Pitfalls

Customs authorities inspect shipments to ensure they meet all health and safety regulations, verify documentation, and collect applicable duties and taxes. A common pitfall is the incorrect classification of a supplement, which can lead to it being treated as a pharmaceutical, with more demanding regulations. To avoid these issues, using a reliable customs broker and a shipping carrier experienced in supplement logistics is highly recommended. These partners can help with everything from proper classification to pre-registration of products where possible. Advanced tracking is also critical for monitoring shipments and addressing any potential delays proactively.

Conclusion

While shipping supplements internationally can be a complex endeavor, it is achievable with thorough preparation and due diligence. The key is to treat the process with meticulous care, focusing on researching the destination country's specific regulations, preparing accurate and detailed customs documentation, and partnering with experienced shipping providers. This diligent approach minimizes the risk of delays, avoids legal penalties, and ensures your products reach your customers safely and compliantly.

Final Checklist for International Supplement Shipping

Research: Confirm ingredient legality and dosage limits in the destination country.
Document: Prepare all required paperwork, including commercial invoices and Certificates of Analysis.
Package: Use robust, temperature-controlled packaging if necessary.
Label: Ensure all labels are compliant with local language and regulatory standards.
Partner: Work with an experienced customs broker and shipping provider.
Track: Utilize advanced tracking to monitor your shipment's journey.

By following these steps, you can confidently expand your supplement business into the global market and avoid common pitfalls associated with international shipping. For more insights on global shipping best practices, a good resource is the official websites of regulatory bodies like the FDA, EFSA, and Health Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is to thoroughly research the destination country's specific import regulations, including any prohibitions on certain ingredients, quantity limits, and labeling requirements.

Essential documents typically include a commercial invoice, customs declaration, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and Certificate of Origin. Product registration certificates may also be necessary depending on the country.

Personal imports are for an individual's own use and usually have quantity limits (e.g., a 90-day supply). Commercial imports are for resale and require full licensing, registration, and compliance with all local health regulations.

No. You must verify that all ingredients in your supplement are approved for import into the destination country, as many regions have their own lists of prohibited substances.

You must provide a clear and detailed product description on all customs forms. Use specific product names and relevant Harmonized System (HS) codes, and avoid vague terms like 'health product' to prevent misclassification.

If a shipment is seized, it is often due to missing paperwork, non-compliant labeling, or containing a prohibited ingredient. The importer may be able to appeal the seizure or redirect the goods, but this will cause significant delays and potential loss.

Yes. Some supplements, like probiotics, are temperature-sensitive and require insulated packaging. All shipments need sturdy packaging to prevent damage, and proper labeling for fragile contents is advised.