Amazon’s new rules could impact independent supplement sellers

Amazon recently updated its policies regarding the sale of certain dietary supplements on its platforms. From April, dietary supplements related to sexual enhancement, sports/cultivation and weight management will have to be verified by an independent testing organization.

Supplement sellers have traditionally faced very few safety testing and certification requirements. However, the FDA recently identified products in these categories as potentially high risk to consumers, publishing the following warning: “By purchasing such products, you may actually receive an illegal product; and this product may contain potentially hazardous ingredients that are not listed on the label.”

These new requirements only apply to people selling on Amazon. However, about 77 percent of e-commerce supplement sales in these categories in the U.S. come from Amazon. So this change could mean a major shift in the market.

For those who already sell supplements on Amazon, your dashboard should include updates on any products that will now require this certification. Amazon may remove your listings if you don’t confirm they comply with the new policy within a certain period of time. And those considering selling on the platform should know that these regulations are part of the process. In fact, the FDA’s recent comments could signal similar requirements from sellers on other platforms in the future.

The need for safety regulations in this market is obvious. In fact, a recent FDA warning cited several cases of potentially harmful side effects from products that were not adequately tested and/or labeled appropriately. So this change can definitely help consumers purchase these products with more confidence.

But of course, tighter regulations can also lead to burdens for businesses, especially small sellers who do not have the same resources as larger competitors. Understanding these venture requirements can help you build these processes into your operations and perfectly meet all the requirements necessary to keep your customers safe while building a successful business in a competitive marketplace.

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