Does your manufacturing partner possess the GMP quality credentials your product needs?
Ensure that your supplement manufacturing partner is licensed by the **FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)**, complies with **Indian Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)**, and undergoes regular audits by **ISO, FSSAI, or AYUSH (for Ayurvedic products)** to maintain compliance with industry standards.
Have you ever seen your current or prospective nutraceutical contract manufacturer exhibit at any trade shows?
All of the major **nutraceutical contract manufacturers** attend trade shows regularly. If they claim otherwise, they may not be a legitimate operation.
Is there never anyone present to answer the phone when you call?
Unreliable companies often rely on **answering machines** instead of direct customer communication. If you consistently struggle to reach a live representative and are constantly leaving messages, it may indicate that the company lacks a **dedicated sales team**.
Ask your current or prospective nutraceutical contract manufacturer to furnish references.
A common response from sales representatives when asked for customer references is that they "manufacture for all the big companies." However, if they are unwilling to arrange a reference call, it may indicate **a lack of transparency or something they prefer to keep hidden**.
Check how long their company has been doing business online.
If you have the company's website address, perform a **"WHOIS" record search** on Google. For accurate results, exclude **"http://" and "www"** from the search query.
Ask your sales representative for proof of product liability insurance.
Ensure they provide insurance **with their company name** on it, with a **minimum coverage of ₹5 crore**, as per industry standards in India. **If they lack product liability insurance, you won’t have any financial protection from them in case of claims or issues!**
Insist on a tour of their facility/building.
If your sales representative directs you to a location **different from the one listed on their website** for a facility visit, they may be operating from an **unofficial location, such as a garage or apartment**, rather than a professional office or manufacturing facility.
Is the supplement manufacturer owned by a company that also sells vitamins to consumers?
If your supplement manufacturer is **owned by a larger company**, ensure they are not also your **competitor**. A parent company involved in supplement sales could **gain access to your sales performance, distribution strategy, and formulation details**, putting your proprietary product at risk.
Is the nutraceutical contract manufacturer you're working with respected in the industry?
Before partnering with a **contract manufacturer**, research their **industry reputation** by engaging with professionals on **business forums, blogs, and networking groups**. If no one is familiar with the company, it may indicate they are **new or lack industry presence**.
Ask your sales representative for a GMP registration certificate.
If a manufacturer **cannot provide a valid FSSAI or GMP certification**, they may not be following proper **hygiene and manufacturing standards**, potentially operating in **contaminated conditions**. Always verify certifications with regulatory bodies like **FSSAI, AYUSH, or ISO GMP**.
Have you performed a background check on the company?
If a company fails to meet **acceptable standards**, dissatisfied customers often leave **complaints on consumer review platforms**. Before signing any contract, research the manufacturer's reputation on **business review websites, industry forums, and complaint boards**.
