Import of food supplements II

“Products purchased from foreign websites are automatically authorized in the EU.”

Myth. Purchasing food supplements from foreign websites does not automatically authorize their entry into the EU. All products intended for commercialization or distribution in the European Union must comply with applicable legislation, including online purchases. onlineNotification to the competent authorities is always required, labelling requirements must be checked (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011), the permitted composition verified, and compliance with food safety standards ensured, even if the products are already available in another country. Responsibility for compliance always lies with the entity placing the product on the EU market (importer).

“Importing small quantities of food supplements for sale does not require documentation.””

Myth. Regardless of the quantity of food supplements being imported, whenever it is for commercial purposes, all companies must ensure that the products fully comply with applicable legislation, including import and marketing requirements within the European Union.

“Labelling the country of origin is sufficient.”

Myth. Labelling the country of origin is not sufficient. All food supplements entering the EU must fully comply with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on labelling, as well as the specific legislation applicable in the Member State where the product will be marketed.

“Products already sold in another country do not require local evaluation.”

MythThe fact that a dietary supplement is already sold in another country does not exempt it from evaluation and compliance in the Member State where it will be marketed. Each third country has its own regulations, and even within the EU, additional requirements may exist — such as notification to competent authorities, specific labelling rules, national lists of permitted substances, and other obligations — that must be fulfilled before placing the product on the market.