Generally speaking, no you cannot sell supplements on Shopify. Shopify has a policy against selling pharmaceuticals which includes any product claiming to have health or therapeutic benefits. However, some people have found ways to sell supplements on Shopify by utilizing “high-risk” payment processing and setting up the account in a certain way. This is strongly discouraged by industry experts as your business can suffer serious consequences for violating Shopify’s terms and conditions.
Since supplements are prohibited by Shopify, other alternatives to sell supplements without as much risk have been pointed out. Platforms such as Magento, BigCommerce, 3dcart and Wix have less stringent policies allowing for the sale of supplements.
What are all of the Items Prohibited on Shopify?
Shopify prohibits the selling of alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes, CBD, fireworks, firearms and weapons, solvents, pharmaceuticals (including supplements), internet gaming, video game currency, online gaming credits, and in many cases, personal protective equipment. A more comprehensive list can be found on the Shopify website, but this is a general look at what you’re not allowed to sell.
Are Supplements Regulated by the FDA?
No. The FDA is not authorized to approve supplements. Many dietary supplements can be marketed without even having to notify the FDA. (fda.gov) Dietary supplement companies must comply with certain regulations and the FDA can take action to protect the public, even though they don’t get approved by the agency.
What Exactly is Considered a Dietary Supplement?
A dietary supplement is a product designed for ingestion to enhance the health of the person using them. Supplements include vitamins, protein shakes, fish oils and herbal remedies. Dietary supplements are used in a variety of ways. People who are deficient in certain vitamins, for example, can use a supplement to get the required amount in order to stay healthy. Many athletes use protein shakes to add large amounts of protein to their diets to enhance their performance and building of muscles. People who are recovering from illness or injuries may use supplements to enhance the healing process.