Supplement Certifications Guide
What each certification proves, what it does not prove, and how vendors report them. Independent assessments, no sponsored listings.
Standards
Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)
FDA
Facility claims to follow FDA manufacturing quality requirements for dietary supplements (21 CFR Part 111).
cGMP Laboratory Compliance
FDA
Laboratory claims to follow cGMP practices for testing dietary supplements or ingredients..
FDA Materials Compliance
FDA
Packaging materials meet FDA requirements for food-contact safety..
ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Accreditation
ISO / IEC (accredited by bodies like A2LA, SCC, ANAB)
Laboratory has been independently accredited for technical competence in specific test methods.
ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO
Organization has implemented a quality management system that meets ISO 9001 requirements and passed a third-party audit..
ISO 13485 Medical Device Quality Management
ISO
Organization meets quality management requirements for medical device manufacturing..
ISO 22000 Food Safety Management
ISO
Organization has implemented an ISO-aligned food safety management system that integrates HACCP principles..
ISO Cleanroom Classification
ISO
Manufacturing area meets ISO 14644-1 particle count specifications for the stated class level..
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
Codex Alimentarius Commission (implemented via FDA, USDA regulations)
Facility has implemented a hazard analysis system for food safety.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
FDA (21 CFR Part 58)
Laboratory follows FDA GLP regulations for non-clinical studies.
Certifications
NSF GMP Registration / Certification
NSF International
Independent third-party audit confirms the facility meets NSF/ANSI 455-2 dietary supplement GMP requirements.
NSF Certified for Sport
NSF International
Specific products have been tested for 280+ substances banned by major athletic organizations.
NPA GMP Certification
Natural Products Association (NPA)
Facility has passed NPA's third-party GMP audit program for natural products manufacturing..
USDA Organic Certification
USDA (via accredited certifying agents: QAI, QCS, Oregon Tilth, etc.)
Facility or specific products meet USDA NOP organic standards.
Halal Certification
Various (ISA, IFANCA, ISWA, local Islamic authorities)
Products or facility meet the certifying body's interpretation of halal requirements..
Kosher Certification
Various (OU, KOF-K, Star-K, OK Kosher, cRc, local rabbinical authorities)
Products meet the certifying agency's kosher requirements.
FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification
Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FSSC)
Facility has a GFSI-benchmarked food safety management system combining ISO 22000 with additional requirements.
SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification
Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), managed by FMI
Facility has passed a GFSI-benchmarked food safety (and possibly quality) audit.
USP Verified Mark
United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Specific products have passed USP's rigorous testing program for identity, potency, purity, and manufacturing practices.
UL Certification
UL Solutions (formerly Underwriters Laboratories)
Product or facility has met UL's testing and certification requirements..
G7 Master Qualification (Printing)
Idealliance
Printing facility achieves consistent, accurate color reproduction per Idealliance G7 specifications..
Registrations
FDA Facility Registration
FDA
Facility has registered with FDA as required by law.
FDA Drug Manufacturing License
FDA
Facility is licensed to manufacture drugs under stricter FDA drug GMP requirements (21 CFR 210/211), which exceed dietary supplement requirements (21 CFR 111)..
Health Canada Natural Product Number (NPN) / Site License
Health Canada
Facility holds a Health Canada site license and/or products have been issued Natural Product Numbers (NPNs), meaning they've been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality..
TGA Listed / Registered (Australia)
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Products are authorized for sale in Australia under TGA regulations.
Product Claims
Certifying Bodies
GFSI Benchmarked Certification
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) — benchmarks schemes, does not certify directly
Facility or organization holds a certification under a GFSI-benchmarked scheme..
ANAB Accreditation
ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Organization has been accredited by ANAB as competent to perform specific testing, calibration, or certification activities..
Certified Group Affiliation
Certified Group (parent company)
Company is part of the Certified Group portfolio of compliance and testing businesses..