Exporting Animel Health Supplements: What US Brands Need to Know

Selling your pet supplements online is one thing. Shipping them overseas is a whole different ball game. As more U.S. pet brands eye global markets through Amazon International, direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, and new distribution channels, the appeal of expanding abroad is clear. However, exporting animal health supplements isn't as simple as printing a shipping label. Mistakes can lead to costly customs delays, significant fines, or even damage to the reputation of your brand.

Understand What You’re Actually Exporting

Not all supplements are created equal in the eyes of international regulations. The origin of your ingredients—whether animal-derived or synthetic—matters immensely. Supplements containing animal-origin ingredients carry a higher risk of regulatory hurdles. Common ingredients that often raise flags include:

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• Collagen
• Fish oil
• Bone meal

Conversely, synthetic vitamins usually face fewer restrictions. The bottom line? The ingredient source matters more than you might think when it comes to export compliance.

Know Who Regulates What (And Why It’s Confusing)

Navigating the regulatory landscape for exporting pet supplements can feel like piecing together a complex puzzle. Multiple agencies play a role:

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Regulates manufacturing and labeling standards for animal feed and drugs within the U.S.
• USDA-APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service): Handles export certificates and animal-derived ingredient issues. Their IRegs for Animal Product Exports database is crucial.
• Destination Country Authorities: Each country may have its own import permits or certification requirements.

No single agency covers everything. Brands must gather information from each to ensure full compliance.

RELATED CONTENT: HOW DOES THE FDA REGULATE PET SUPPLEMENTS?

Do You Need an Export Certificate?

If your supplements contain animal-derived ingredients, you’ll likely need USDA APHIS certification. Use the APHIS IRegs database to check requirements by country. If certification is needed, you’ll typically apply via eFile for a VS-16-4 or similar form. Plant-based formulas may not require certification, depending on the destination country.

Watch Out for Country-Specific Rules

Don't assume that what works in one market will work in another. Export regulations vary significantly by country. For example:

• Canada: Often requires a veterinary health certificate.
• Mexico: Requires labeling in Spanish and specific nutrient declarations.
• EU: May classify certain pet supplement products as veterinary drugs if claims are too strong.

Each country has unique documentation, registration, and labeling rules. Review them carefully before shipping.

Labeling for Export: Don’t Wing It

Labeling is one of the most common compliance issues in international shipping. Some markets require formulas to be translated into the local language. Others may reject your shipment over unapproved claims, missing batch numbers, or even font size. A few tips:

• Include active and inactive ingredients clearly
• List manufacturer/importer details as required
• Avoid disease treatment claims unless legally approved
• Follow local language and formatting rules

Partner With Export-Savvy Manufacturers

Working with a manufacturer that understands international pet supplement export requirements can save you time, money, and compliance headaches. At Pet Tech Labs, we help brands:

• Develop export-compliant formulations
• Navigate APHIS certification and USDA documentation
• Build country-specific labels
• Produce shelf-stable formats for long-distance shipping

If you’re ready to expand into new markets, we’re here to help simplify the process. We’ve worked with brands targeting Canada, South America, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Let’s Help You Go Global, the Smart Way

You don’t have to guess your way through exports. We’ll help you launch with confidence—without risking customs hold-ups, fines, or product recalls.

Request an Export Consult Today.