How to register as a food business for supplement sales

The Bottom Line

If you plan to sell supplements—even if you are just storing pre-sealed tubs in your spare room—you must register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before you start trading. This registration is free, cannot be refused, and is a legal requirement under UK law to ensure consumer safety. Failure to register is a criminal offence.

Why supplements count as 'food'

In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) classifies vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements as 'food'. This means the same laws that apply to a cafe or a grocery store apply to you. Even if you never touch the actual powder or capsules because they are sealed in bottles, you are part of the food supply chain and must be on your local authority's radar.

How to register

The process is straightforward and usually takes less than 15 minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Identify your local council: Visit the Gov.uk website and use the 'Find your local council' tool to find the authority responsible for the area where you will store or manage your supplements.
2. Complete the application: Most councils provide an online form. You will need to provide your business name, address, the nature of your business (e.g., 'Retailer' or 'Online Seller'), and the date you intend to start.
3. Submit 28 days early: You must submit this form at least 28 days before you take your first payment. This gives the council time to process your entry into their database.

What happens next?

Unlike a planning application, the council cannot 'reject' your registration. Once you have submitted the form, you have fulfilled your legal duty. However, you should expect the following:

• An acknowledgment: You will usually receive a confirmation email or letter. Keep this for your records and for your insurance provider.
• Potential inspection: A Food Safety Officer may visit your premises. If you are selling pre-packaged supplements from home, you are considered 'low risk,' so an inspection may be brief or handled via a phone call, but you must still be prepared.
• Public record: Your business name and address will be added to the local authority’s register of food businesses.

Top Tip: If you move house or change your business name later, you must inform the council of these changes within 28 days.

Best practices for supplement sellers

While the registration itself is easy, you should maintain basic standards to satisfy an inspector if they do call. Ensure your storage area is clean, dry, and free from pests. It is also wise to keep a simple 'traceability' log—a record of where you bought your stock and who you sold it to (invoices and receipts usually suffice). This ensures that if a batch of supplements is ever recalled by a manufacturer, you can quickly identify and contact any affected clients.