US Dietary Supplement Suppliers: A Buyer’s Guide
Vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics and plant-based supplements: the big difference from other products is that each country classifies them in its own way, and that defines the procedure.
| Industry | Dietary supplements |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 2106, 2936, 3004 |
| U.S. agencies involved | Food and Drug Administration (FDA); U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 4 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
How the United States regulates them
According to the FDA, dietary supplements are not approved before they reach the market: manufacturers and distributors are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before selling them. Those who manufacture, package or hold them must comply with the current good manufacturing practices (CGMP) of 21 CFR part 111, including foreign firms that sell in the United States.
How your country classifies them
In your country, depending on the composition, the same product may be treated as a supplement, a food, a natural product or a medicine, with very different procedures. For example, in Paraguay DINAVISA requires health registration for dietary supplements. Before you choose a product, ask your country’s health authority how it classifies it.
Tariff headings you should know
- 2106: food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.
- 2936: provitamins and vitamins.
- 3004: medicaments in measured doses (if your country classifies the product as a medicine).
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Ask for evidence that the plant complies with the FDA’s CGMP, the certificate of analysis for each lot and the certificate of free sale.
- Check that the claims on the label are allowed in your country before you import.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does the FDA approve supplements before they are sold?
No. According to the FDA, dietary supplements are not approved before they are marketed; the manufacturer is responsible for their safety and labeling.
Do I need a registration to import supplements?
It depends on how your country classifies the product. Ask the health authority before you buy.
Official sources
- FDA: questions and answers on dietary supplements
- FDA: CGMP for dietary supplements
- DINAVISA (Paraguay, in Spanish)
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.