Do I need a license to sell supplements in the UK?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Food supplements in the UK are regulated as food, not medicine, so a product license is not needed for sale. A seller's primary requirement is to register their business as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with their local authority. This is a critical distinction that shapes the regulatory framework and responsibilities.

Quick Summary

Selling food supplements in the UK does not require a specific license, but registration as a Food Business Operator with your local council is mandatory. Strict adherence to regulations about product safety, precise labelling, and compliant marketing claims is required for all distributors.

Key Points

No Specific License: No specific government license is needed to sell food supplements in the UK.
Mandatory FBO Registration: All sellers must register as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with their local authority.
Strict Labelling Rules: Products must be labelled accurately as 'food supplements' and include mandatory information like ingredients, NRVs, and FBO details.
Regulated Health Claims: Only approved health and nutrition claims, supported by scientific evidence, can be used. Claims about curing or treating diseases are illegal.
Importer Responsibilities: Businesses based outside the UK must appoint a UK-based FBO.
Record Keeping: Maintaining meticulous records of suppliers and sales is crucial for product traceability and compliance.

No License Required, But Registration is Mandatory

Selling food supplements in the UK does not require a specific government license. The law treats supplements as food products, making the seller responsible for ensuring they are safe and correctly marketed. The initial step for any business, whether online or physical, is to register as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with the local authority. This is free and legally required for anyone selling, storing, or distributing food products, including supplements. Registration must occur at least 28 days before trading begins and cannot be refused.

Essential Steps to Ensure Compliance

Compliance involves more than just registration. Sellers must understand and follow a wide array of food safety and labelling laws. This includes:

Sourcing from Reputable Suppliers: Responsibility for the safety of the supplements sold lies with the seller. Using a registered and reputable manufacturer who provides detailed, referenced documentation is crucial.
Keeping Meticulous Records: Detailed records of the supply chain, including invoices and delivery notes, are essential for traceability and must be available if requested by enforcement authorities.
Ensuring Correct Labelling: The product must be explicitly labelled as a 'food supplement'. Labels must be accurate, clear, and include specific mandatory information.
Managing Marketing Claims: Health and nutrition claims are strictly regulated. Only approved claims that have been scientifically substantiated may be used. Claims suggesting a supplement can prevent, treat, or cure a disease are prohibited, as this would classify the product as a medicine.

Critical Labelling Requirements

All supplements must display mandatory information clearly on the packaging. This includes:

The product name, which must include the term 'food supplement'.
The name and address of the UK-based Food Business Operator.
A complete list of ingredients, with allergens clearly highlighted.
The recommended daily dosage and a warning not to exceed it.
The nutrient reference value (NRV) for vitamins and minerals.
A statement that the supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet.
Storage instructions and a 'best before' or 'use by' date.

Post-Brexit Regulations and Importing

Since the UK's departure from the EU, the regulatory landscape has diverged. While the UK initially adopted much of EU food law, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) now govern regulations for Great Britain. Businesses outside the UK selling in Great Britain must appoint a UK-based FBO. This FBO acts as a local representative and is responsible for ensuring the product meets all UK standards.

Table: UK vs. EU Supplement Regulations (Post-Brexit)


Aspect	Post-Brexit UK (Great Britain)	EU
Governing Body	Food Standards Agency (FSA) and DEFRA oversee compliance	European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and national food authorities in each member state
Registration	Mandatory registration as FBO with local authority is required.	No central EU license, but notification to national authorities is often required.
Health Claims	Governed by the Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register.	Governed by the EU Register of Health Claims.
Labelling (FBO Address)	Requires a UK-based FBO address on the label.	Requires an EU-based FBO address on the label.
Import Requirements	Businesses outside the UK must use a UK-based FBO.	Businesses outside the EU must use an EU-based importer.
Novel Foods	Uses a standalone UK authorization procedure.	Requires authorization from the EU.

The Role of Enforcement

Enforcement of these regulations is handled by local authorities, including Trading Standards and Environmental Health. Failure to comply can result in fines or product seizure and destruction. The Food Safety Act 1990 makes it an offense to render food injurious to health. For comprehensive guidance, the Food Standards Agency website is the official and most authoritative source.

Conclusion

While a specific license is unnecessary to sell supplements in the UK, businesses must adhere to food safety laws. Register as a Food Business Operator with the local council and ensure full compliance with rules on product safety, traceability, and accurate labelling. These steps help operate legally and build consumer trust within the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a specific license is not needed. You must register as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with your local authority, even for online-only businesses.

A Food Business Operator (FBO) is a person or company responsible for ensuring food, including supplements, is safe and compliant with UK regulations.

Labels must state 'food supplement', list ingredients with allergens, show recommended dosage, include storage warnings, and provide the UK FBO's name and address.

Only use authorised health and nutrition claims from the Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register. Claims about treating, preventing, or curing a disease are forbidden,.

If importing to Great Britain, you are legally responsible for all aspects of the product, including safety and labelling. You must also appoint a UK-based FBO,.

Food supplements support a normal diet, while medicines prevent, treat, or cure diseases. Making medicinal claims about a supplement can cause it to be reclassified.