Understanding Product Certifications & Registrations

When launching your brand, navigating various certifications and registrations can be confusing. Many terms like "GMP-certified," "FDA-registered," or "NSF-certified" are thrown around, but what do they actually mean? In this guide, we'll break down the key certifications and registrations related to dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pet care products, explain their importance, and clarify what applies to Supliful and your brand.

GMP, or Good Manufacturing Practices, is a regulatory framework that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. These guidelines cover everything from facility cleanliness and equipment maintenance to employee training and product testing.

While adherence to GMP is required by law for dietary supplements, it does not necessarily require third-party certification. Some manufacturers choose to obtain independent GMP certification from organizations like NSF, which adds an extra layer of assurance.

At Supliful, the majority of our manufacturers adhere to GMP standards, and many also hold third-party certifications. However, since third-party certification is not a legal requirement, some manufacturers may not have it, despite following GMPs diligently. If you need details about a specific manufacturer’s GMP certification, we can provide information upon request.

For more information, please refer to https://www.fda.gov/.

One of the most common misconceptions in the industry is the difference between FDA registration and FDA approval. FDA registration simply means that a facility has been registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and follows the necessary regulatory guidelines. This does not mean that the FDA has tested, reviewed, or endorsed products made in that facility.

FDA approval, on the other hand, is a designation given to drugs, medical devices, and certain other regulated products after an extensive review process. Dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pet care products do not go through an FDA approval process and therefore cannot be "FDA approved."

All of Supliful’s manufacturing facilities are FDA-registered, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, but none of our products are FDA-approved because such approval does not apply to our product categories.

For more information, please refer to https://www.fda.gov/.

NSF International is an independent organization that provides third-party certification to confirm that a facility meets rigorous public health and safety standards. NSF certification is widely recognized in the dietary supplement industry and often serves as a mark of quality. It requires regular audits, ingredient verification, and adherence to strict production protocols.

While this certification is not legally required, many companies seek it to provide additional credibility and consumer trust. Some of Supliful’s manufacturers have obtained NSF certification, and if you need more information about specific facilities, we can provide those details upon request.

For more information, please refer to https://www.nsf.org/.

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that provides detailed lab testing results for a specific batch of a product. This document confirms the product’s composition, verifying ingredient concentrations, potential contaminants, or other critical specifications.

While COAs are not legally required for all products, they are essential for ensuring quality and transparency in the supplement and food industries.

At Supliful, COAs are available for every batch and can be provided upon request. However, due to the white-labeling nature of our services, we do not recommend disclosing supplier information publicly. If you need a COA for your records or regulatory compliance, feel free to reach out to us.

For more information, please refer to https://www.fda.gov/.

USDA Organic certification is issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and verifies that a product meets strict organic standards, including the sourcing of ingredients, farming methods, and processing practices. This certification allows products to be labeled as "USDA Organic” and to bear the USDA Organic seal.

However, obtaining USDA Organic certification is not a one-time process—it must be acquired and maintained by the brand that wishes to display the certification. Even if a Supplier uses USDA-certified organic ingredients or produces certified organic products, the final product cannot automatically carry the USDA Organic claim, unless the brand itself holds a valid certification. Please see more information about the recent Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule (SOE) here.

Labeling or marketing a product as “organic” without proper certification may be considered misleading and can violate USDA regulations—even if the individual ingredients or source products are certified organic. This creates the potential for enforcement actions. Violations of USDA organic regulations, such as falsely labeling a product as organic or using the USDA Organic seal without certification, can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Additional enforcement measures may include product recalls, suspension or revocation of organic certification, public listing of violators, or civil litigation.

Some of Supliful’s Suppliers use USDA-certified ingredients or have USDA-certified products, but if you wish to make organic claims on your labels, product descriptions, or marketing materials, you will need to obtain the certification independently.

For more information, please refer to https://www.ams.usda.gov/.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications, such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 22000 for food safety, indicate that a facility adheres to internationally recognized standards. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to consistent production quality, efficiency, and safety.

While not legally required, ISO certifications can enhance a company’s credibility. In some cases, they may become effectively required by international buyers, certain retailers, or supply chain partners, particularly in contexts involving food safety, global trade, or export compliance.

Some of Supliful’s manufacturers hold ISO certifications, and we can provide more details upon request.

For more information, please refer to https://www.iso.org/home.html.

While Supliful ensures high-quality manufacturing, it is ultimately your responsibility as a Brand Holder to verify compliance and understand the regulatory implications of any claims you make. If you plan to promote specific certifications or make regulatory claims, you should conduct your own due diligence and consult with legal or regulatory professionals. Additionally, if you wish to obtain third-party certification for your product, such as NSF certification or USDA Organic, you are welcome to do so using third party labs or certification bodies.

If you require specific certification details or documentation, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We’re happy to assist you in understanding the options and ensuring compliance for your brand.