The global nutritional supplement market is witnessing tremendous growth. According to MarketsandMarkets data, it was valued at USD 179.53 billion in 2024. It’s projected to reach USD 258.75 billion by 2029. That’s at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.6%.
Given that, maintaining supplement safety and quality manufacturing standards is pivotal. Moreover, NSF certification has been the gold standard for high quality in the dietary supplement industry.
Here, we’ll explain this certification in-depth and its significance for supplement brands. We’ll also elucidate you on opting for an NSF-certified supplier.
What is NSF certification?
NSF is short for National Sanitation Foundation. It’s a reputable independent non-governmental auditing agency within the worldwide supplement manufacturing industry.
It originated in 1944, intending to create a standard for food safety. Governmental regulatory bodies accept its standards broadly. It acts as a benchmark, especially for the consumers. The goal is to ascertain that their products fulfill the greatest quality standards.
NSF is centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, US. It offers services in over 180 countries and has an estimated 3000 employees.
NSF certification implies that a food or product has fulfilled NSF’s standards for safety and health. It also relates to the product itself and its fabrication processes.
Such certification isn’t a single event. It’s a continuing process in which products undergo regular auditing. If a product stops fulfilling NSF’s requirements, it can be recalled or lose certification.
The process of NSF certification
The process to earn such a certification encompasses the following pivotal steps:
1. Submitting an application
Manufacturers eyeing such a certification should initially apply. It comprises providing the following:
- Contact information
- Facility addresses
- Product descriptions
- Information about operating methods
You can see that NSF necessitates submitting a complete application.
2. Product evaluation
Product evaluation is the commencement stage of the NSF inspection. In this process, an auditor inspects the structure and material of every product. They identify safety or regulatory issues (if any).
3. Lab testing
After the starting evaluation, the materials and products are subject to lab testing. It ascertains that the materials and equipment are sanitary.
Here, research professionals exploit scientific theories and processes to check the standards and safety.
4. Facility inspections
Next, the NSF inspectors carry out facility inspections. They observe and follow the entire supplement manufacturing process and environment.
The motive is to evaluate the facility’s conditions and methods. The evaluation further determines whether environmental and safety standards are fulfilled.
5. Receiving the certification
Next, the candidate receives the certification. That’s after finishing the inspection, evaluation, and lab results. Furthermore, it’s also after determining that the production operation meets the standards.
That allows the NSF seal to appear on the company’s materials and packaging.
6. Preparing for yearly reassessment
Such a certification further necessitates a yearly reassessment. The purpose is to uphold a product’s certification status. Thus, preparing for such inspections well ahead of time is wise.
This can aid you in preparing for the NSF’s annual audit. In this process, a representative redoes the certification process. It ascertains that the required quality, standards, and procedures are maintained.
The importance of NSF certification to supplement brands
This certification is pivotal for supplement brands because it ensures safety and quality. Given the rising concerns about false advertising claims and product safety, this is especially important.
Obtaining such a certification has become crucial for such brands. It enhances brand credibility and reputation and instills trust and loyalty among consumers. Supplement brands can further guarantee that their products fulfill the greatest quality standards.
Consider NSF Certified for Sport® certification as an example. Thus, sports supplement brands can ensure they provide safe and reliable sports supplements. That also sets them apart from non-certified competitors.
How do you choose an NSF-certified Supplier?
You can choose an NSF-certified supplier by considering the following:
- Determine your desired product or service type (e.g., nutritional supplements). Also, check for the particular NSF certification it should have.
- Search for the company on the NSF website whose products and systems are NSF-certified.
- Check the product packaging for the NSF logo. That’s indicative that the product fulfills NSF standards.
Moreover, you may know that Handian Nutrition stands as a renowned nutritional supplement manufacturer globally. We further are NSF-certified. View our certificates. That reaffirms our commitment to fabricating reliable and safe supplements while maintaining stringent quality standards.
Preguntas frecuentes
How is NSF certification different from GMP certification?
NSF certification encompasses GMP standards but also comprises added quality measures, which implies that it is more comprehensive.
Put differently, GMP certification ascertains that products are continually fabricated and controlled per quality standards. Conversely, NSF certification incorporates such standards. It additionally involves further stringent testing and validation methods for the products.
Moreover, being NSF-certified gives consumers a significant assurance. That implies that the products they buy have been assessed independently for quality.
How does NSF certification help distributors meet international regulations?
Such certification aids supplement brands and their distributors in fulfilling international regulations. That’s done by complying with stringent standards for ingredient verification, supplement manufacturing processes, and product quality. Such a certification establishes credibility with distributors and retailers.
That facilitates the entry of supplements into strict markets (e.g., the US, Canada, and EU). Many premium distributors necessitate or prefer NSF-certified dietary supplements before listing.
How can you verify the authenticity of a supplier’s NSF certification?
You can search on the NSF website to validate the authenticity of a supplier’s certification. You can further contact the NSF Certification Records Department.
Furthermore, you can look up the NSF mark on the branding or products. The NSF mark affirms that the product fulfills the NSF requirements entirely. It ascertains that it was independently reviewed and verified by the organization.