Can you sell food supplements in other European countries without modifying it?

Many manufacturers ask us the same question: ‘If I already sell my food supplement in Spain, can I sell it as it is in Italy, Germany or France? The quick answer is: it depends. But the long answer involves understanding the specific food regulations in each European country and how they may affect your product.

Although the European Union has harmonised many food regulations, when it comes to selling food supplements in other countries, each market has its own nuances: permitted ingredients, permitted claims, labelling requirements, notification processes, etc.

What changes when selling food supplements in other countries?

Europe is not a single homogenous bloc when it comes to food supplements. Although the common legal basis exists, each country has leeway to adapt certain rules. This means that a product that is perfectly legal in Spain may encounter regulatory obstacles when crossing the border.

The main factors that can change are the following:

1. Permitted ingredients

This is one of the biggest points of debate. Each country has its own list of permitted and non-permitted ingredients in food supplements.

• Real-life example: A Spanish manufacturer using melatonin in doses higher than 1 mg had to reformulate its product for marketing in Belgium, where regulations are more restrictive.

• Ingredients such as certain plants, plant extracts or minerals may be banned or restricted in some countries, although they are permitted in others.

2. Authorised claims

The use of health claims is also subject to control. Although there is a harmonised positive list at EU level, some countries have additional restrictions.

• A claim such as ‘contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system’ may be accepted in one country but require justification or be disallowed in another, if the base ingredient does not meet certain requirements or quantities.

3. Labelling and language

Product labelling is another critical point. Legislation obliges to comply with certain common minimum requirements (such as listing of ingredients, dosage, warnings, etc.), but:

• You must adapt the labelling to the official language of the country of destination.

• Some countries require specific warnings that are not required in Spain.

• Even small details in labelling design can lead to rejections at customs or blockages in distribution.

• Real-life example: An add-on was detained by French customs because the label was not in French and contained graphic symbols not authorised by national regulations.

4. Pre-market notification

In some countries, you must notify the product to the competent authority before putting it on sale. In others, it is not necessary, or a simplified registration is sufficient.

• In Spain, notification is mandatory.

• In Germany or the Netherlands, the procedures are different and not always compulsory.

Failure to comply with this formality may result in the withdrawal of the product or even administrative sanctions.

Real cases: what works and what doesn’t work

An ingredient that is legal in Spain, not in Belgium

A Spanish company marketed a multivitamin containing ginseng extract. When it tried to sell it in Belgium, the formula was rejected because the extract required a specific authorisation that had not been applied for. The result: weeks of delay, additional costs and reformulation.

Product detained in customs

A customer tried to export to France without adapting the labelling. The lack of French language and an impermissible claim led to the retention of the entire batch. The error cost more than €4,000 in fees, return transport and corrections.

An adapted formula unlocked three markets

Another manufacturer undertook an international pre-audit. With minor adjustments – such as lowering the dosage of one ingredient and modifying the labelling – it managed to enter Italy, Germany and Austria simultaneously, complying with local regulations from day one.

How to avoid mistakes when selling food supplements in other countries?

Expanding internationally is a great opportunity for growth, but it requires planning. Here are some keys to minimising risks:

1. Conduct an international regulatory audit

Before launching the product in another country, check whether it complies with:

• Permitted ingredients

• Maximum doses

• Mandatory labelling

• Notification requirement

An audit can save you weeks (or months) of trouble.

2. Adapt the formula if necessary

In many cases, a small modification is sufficient to meet the requirements of another country without losing the essence of the product.

• Sometimes it is just a matter of adjusting a dose.

• Others, to substitute an ingredient or remove a claim.

3. Rely on a specialised consultancy

Having experts in international food regulation can make all the difference. At LegaleGo we accompany companies of all kinds in their expansion process in Europe, avoiding mistakes that can cost thousands of euros and delay market entry for months.

Selling food supplements in other European countries is not as simple as translating the label or putting the logo in another language.Each market has its own rules, and knowing them makes the difference between a smooth launch and a customs blockage.

Thinking of internationalising your product?

Don’t wait any longer and request your free international audit. We will help you identify the critical points to help you take off in your international expansion. Just fill in the form and we will contact you shortly.