Shipping nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and health products from Chinese manufacturers to the US market has become one of the fastest-growing segments in cross-border logistics. With the US supplement market projected to surpass $350 billion by 2028, more brands than ever are sourcing from China. But FDA compliance, labeling, and shipping can be a minefield.
Why Nutraceuticals Are a Logistics Challenge
Unlike generic consumer goods, supplements and nutraceuticals face three layers of regulatory scrutiny: FDA registration, customs classification, and state-level compliance. A single mislabeled shipment can be detained at port for weeks — or worse, rejected and destroyed. COHO Supply Chain has helped dozens of health brands navigate these waters since 2018.
Key Shipping Methods for Supplements
- Express Courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx): Best for samples and small batches (up to 50kg). 3-5 day delivery, but higher per-kg cost. FDA prior notice required.
- Air Freight + DDP: Ideal for mid-volume (50-500kg). 7-12 days door-to-door. COHO DDP service includes customs clearance, duties, and last-mile delivery.
- Ocean LCL/FCL: For full container loads and bulk shipments. 25-35 days. Most cost-effective but requires proper warehousing on arrival.
FDA Compliance Checklist
- FDA Facility Registration: Both the foreign manufacturer and the US importer must be registered with the FDA.
- Prior Notice: Every food/supplement shipment must have a Prior Notice filed with FDA before arrival.
- Labeling Compliance: Supplement Facts panel, ingredient list, manufacturer info, and DSHEA disclaimer must meet FDA standards.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Keep COAs from your manufacturer for every batch — CBP may request them.
COHO Supplement Shipping Advantage
With our four US warehouses (NY, Seattle, LA, New Jersey), COHO offers end-to-end supplement logistics from factory floor to Amazon FBA, retail shelf, or direct-to-consumer fulfillment. Our DDP service covers all customs duties and taxes upfront — no surprise fees for your customers. We also provide temperature-controlled storage for probiotics and heat-sensitive formulations.
Need to ship nutraceuticals from China to the US? Contact COHO Supply Chain today for a free logistics assessment and quote. Our team handles FDA documentation, labeling review, and customs clearance — so you can focus on growing your brand.
