Selling supplements in the UK.
Post-Brexit rules explained.
Since Brexit, the UK has its own food supplement framework — largely aligned with EU rules but administered independently by the FSA and MHRA. For most Indian botanicals, the rules are permissive. Here's what matters.
UK and EU rules are now separate — but mostly aligned
Post-Brexit, the UK has its own framework under the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 (as retained and amended). For most of our catalogue — curcumin, spirulina, CoQ10, and ashwagandha — the UK remains accessible. The UK has not adopted EU Novel Food restrictions on ashwagandha, meaning it can be sold as a food supplement in the UK where it cannot in the EU.
UK regulatory overview.
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
The FSA is the primary food supplement regulator in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own Food Standards Scotland (FSS) but follows the same rules in practice. The FSA does not require pre-market registration for food supplements.
MHRA: Medicinal Products vs. Food Supplements
The MHRA regulates medicines — including herbal medicines. Products making disease treatment claims may be classified as medicines and require THR (Traditional Herbal Registration) or a marketing authorisation. Stick to structure/function claims for food supplement positioning.
UK Novel Food — Watch List
The UK maintains its own Novel Food authorisation process post-Brexit. Currently, the UK novel food list largely mirrors the EU list from 2020, but is updated independently. Ashwagandha is currently permissible in the UK, unlike the EU.
GB Customs Post-Brexit
Goods from India enter GB under standard import procedures. UKGT (UK Global Tariff) applies. Certificate of Indian Origin is required for customs. Our export documentation covers this in full.
What your UK label must include.
Product Name
Clear description of what the product is, e.g. "Ashwagandha Root Extract Capsules." No specific format mandated, but must be truthful.
Nutrition Information Table
Nutrition Declaration per Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 as retained in UK law. Per 100g/ml and per serving. Back of pack standard placement.
Ingredients List
All ingredients listed in descending order of weight. QUID (Quantitative Ingredients Declaration) required where ingredient is emphasised in name or imagery.
Allergen Declaration
Allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list (bold or underline). UK has retained the EU 14 major allergens list.
Net Quantity
Count (capsules/tablets) or weight/volume. Mandatory.
UK Responsible Party
Post-Brexit, labels must show a UK address — either the brand owner or a UK importer of record. No longer sufficient to show only an EU address.
What ships with every UK order.
| Document | Purpose | Included |
|---|---|---|
| NABL-accredited CoA | Potency, purity, heavy metals, microbial, pesticides | ✓ Standard |
| GMP Certificate | UK cGMP evidence (MHRA-recognised) | ✓ Standard |
| MSDS | Customs / warehousing | ✓ Standard |
| Certificate of Indian Origin | GB customs clearance | ✓ Standard |
| UK Nutrition Declaration template | UK-format label compliance | ✓ Standard |
| Allergen statement template | 14 allergens, UK retained EU law format | ✓ Standard |
Ready to launch in the UK market?
The UK is one of the most accessible supplement markets in Europe. Book a discovery call — we'll confirm your formulation and documentation in 30 minutes.