1. Fix the formula and the claims together
Decide what you want to say on the pack before you lock the formula. If you want a vitamin C immunity claim, the dose must give at least 12 mg of vitamin C per day. Changing the formula later is far more expensive than changing the label.
2. Register as a food business
Register with your local authority at least 28 days before you start trading. That applies if you sell from home or online too.
3. Draft the label copy
Write the legal text first: name, statements, nutrient table, ingredients, allergens, dates and address. Design comes after. Our checklist covers every item.
4. Get barcodes if you’ll sell through retailers or Amazon
Join GS1 UK and assign one barcode per product variant. See barcodes for supplements.
5. Design, then check
Design around the legal panel, not the other way round. Then get the artwork checked before you approve a proof.
6. Proof, print and fill
Approve a to-size proof, print, and send labels to your manufacturer or packer. Allow about a week from artwork to delivered labels, plus your manufacturer’s lead time.
Not legal advice. This guide covers the general rules for food supplements sold in Great Britain. Check your own product with a regulatory adviser, your local Trading Standards team or your Primary Authority partner.