The UK dietary supplements market is one of the most developed in Europe, with consumers spending billions each year on vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and functional nutrition. For entrepreneurs and companies, the opportunity to register and sell supplements under your own brand in the UK is highly attractive in 2025.
But entering this market requires careful attention to UK regulations, product safety, and label compliance. Whether you are considering private label supplements or importing from abroad, understanding the rules is essential to success.
In this article you will learn:
- The regulatory framework for supplements in the UK
- The process of registering and notifying supplements
- Labelling requirements under UK law
- The difference between private label and contract manufacturing
- Opportunities and risks in the UK market
- A practical checklist to launch your brand
Regulatory framework for supplements in the UK
Dietary supplements in the UK are regulated as a category of foods, not medicines, unless they make medicinal claims. The main legislation includes:
- Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 and equivalent legislation in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Retained EU law: after Brexit, the UK adopted much of the EU framework, including definitions of food supplements.
- Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR): still applies in UK law, limiting the claims you can use to those approved.
- Novel Foods Regulation: certain ingredients (e.g., CBD, new plant extracts) may require pre-market authorisation.
The key authority is the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which oversees compliance and safety for supplements in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is responsible.
Registering supplements in the UK
Strictly speaking, supplements in the UK are not “approved” but must be notified before sale.
Notification process
- Submit your product details to the local Trading Standards authority or via the relevant online system.
- Provide formulation, label, and manufacturer details.
- Ensure that your brand has a UK responsible operator (importer or representative) if manufactured abroad.
This process ensures that regulators can monitor the supplement and take action if it is unsafe or misleading.
Labelling requirements for supplements in the UK
Supplements must include:
- The word “Food Supplement” on the label
- Recommended daily dose and instructions for use
- List of ingredients in descending order
- Nutrient amounts per daily dose and % NRV (Nutrient Reference Values)
- Mandatory warnings:
- Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose
- Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet
- Keep out of reach of children
- Net quantity, batch number, best before date
- Name and address of the UK responsible operator
Labels must be in English and follow FSA guidance.
Private label vs contract manufacturing in the UK
- White label supplements: pre-made, standard formulas with minimal customisation (fastest to market).
- Private label supplements: customisable base formulations (dosage, capsule type, flavour), offering stronger brand identity.
- Contract manufacturing: full custom development, higher cost, longer time, higher differentiation.
In the UK, private label supplements are especially attractive for e-commerce and Amazon sellers looking to build a differentiated brand.
Market opportunities in the UK in 2025
- Amazon UK: one of the most competitive marketplaces for vitamins and supplements. Collagen, probiotics, and sprays are top performers.
- Pharmacies and health shops: Boots, Holland & Barrett, and independent pharmacies remain trusted channels.
- Trends driving growth:
- Vegan and plant-based supplements
- Collagen and beauty-from-within products
- Immune support (vitamin C, D3+K2, zinc)
- Sports recovery (magnesium, protein, creatine)
- Stress and sleep support (adaptogens, melatonin alternatives, CBD novel food-approved products)
Checklist to launch your supplement brand in the UK
- Define your target market (wellness, sports, beauty, vegan).
- Choose your manufacturing model (private label, white label, contract).
- Verify ingredients are permitted in the UK (check Novel Food register).
- Prepare compliant labels in English with mandatory warnings.
- Notify your supplement to Trading Standards/FSA before launch.
- Secure a UK responsible operator if you manufacture abroad.
- Develop your branding and marketing strategy.
- Launch on Amazon UK, DTC website, or retail channels.
- Monitor consumer feedback and maintain compliance updates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Making medicinal claims (e.g., “treats arthritis” or “cures insomnia”).
- Using unauthorised health claims not on the approved UK register.
- Selling supplements without a UK responsible operator post-Brexit.
- Failing to translate EU labels into fully UK-compliant ones.
- Ignoring novel food authorisations (especially for CBD).
FAQs
Do I need FSA approval to sell supplements in the UK?
No, you need to notify your supplement. Approval is not required, but compliance is mandatory.
Can a foreign company sell supplements in the UK?
Yes, but you must appoint a UK-based responsible operator.
Are vegan supplements popular in the UK?
Yes, vegan-certified supplements are among the fastest-growing categories.
Which supplements are trending in the UK?
Collagen, probiotics, vitamin sprays, magnesium, and adaptogenic blends are in high demand.
Can I sell CBD supplements in the UK?
Only if the CBD ingredient has Novel Food authorisation. Otherwise, it is not permitted.
Conclusion
The UK is one of the most attractive supplement markets in Europe, but it requires strict compliance with regulations. By understanding the rules, preparing compliant labels, and working with an experienced manufacturer, you can successfully register and sell supplements under your own brand in the UK.
The opportunity is significant: with a growing health-conscious population and strong retail and e-commerce channels, the UK remains a key market for supplement entrepreneurs in 2025.
👉 Contact Techlabs Europe today to start your UK supplement registration project