Cost Guide
Dietary Supplements
France 🇫🇷
Complete cost breakdown for selling dietary supplements on Amazon France: FBA fees, DGCCRF notification (Article 15/16), Arrete du 9 mai 2006, Citeo EPR obligations, TVA taxes, and marketing costs.
Overview
Selling dietary supplements (complements alimentaires) on Amazon.fr offers attractive margins of 35-60%, but requires thorough engagement with France's strict regulations. France has one of the most heavily regulated supplement regimes in Europe. Beyond standard Amazon FBA fees, sellers must complete notification under Article 15 and 16 of Decret n 2006-352 with the DGCCRF (Direction Generale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Repression des Fraudes) via the Teleicare portal. The Arrete du 9 mai 2006 governs permitted nutrients (vitamins, minerals) and their maximum levels. The French positive list for plant substances (Arrete du 24 juin 2014) is more restrictive than in many other EU countries. TVA for dietary supplements in France is a favourable 5.5% (reduced rate as food products), representing a significant price advantage over cosmetics (20% TVA). The DGCCRF conducts regular inspections, particularly in online commerce. This cost guide provides a detailed overview of all costs involved.
Cost Breakdown
Amazon FBA Fees
All fees charged by Amazon for selling and fulfillment via FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) on the French marketplace. The referral fee for dietary supplements is 8-15%, depending on the sales price. Many supplement products qualify for the Niedrigpreisversand (Low-Price FBA) program.
Referral Fee
Per unitFBA Fulfillment Fee
Per unitStorage Fees
MonthlyProfessional Seller Account
MonthlyLong-Term Storage Fee
MonthlyFrench Supplement Regulation & Notification
France has one of the strictest supplement regulatory systems in Europe. Decret n 2006-352 and the Arrete du 9 mai 2006 form the legal framework. Every dietary supplement must be notified with the DGCCRF via the Teleicare portal before being placed on the market (Article 15/16). The DGCCRF actively checks whether the composition complies with French positive lists and whether labelling meets requirements. Additionally, supplements are subject to nutrivigilance reporting obligations with ANSES.
DGCCRF Notification (Teleicare - Article 15)
One-timeArticle 16 Notification (Mutual Recognition)
One-timeFrench Formulation Adaptation
One-timeFrench Labelling & Translation
One-timeHealth Claims Review (EU Regulation 1924/2006)
One-timeCiteo Packaging & Environmental Obligations (EPR)
The French EPR system requires registration with Citeo for packaging waste. Additionally, the Triman logo with Info-Tri sorting instructions has been mandatory since 2022 on all products sold in France. Amazon.fr actively checks the EPR UIN number.
Citeo Registration & Contributions
YearlyTriman Logo & Info-Tri Marking
One-timeNutrivigilance Reporting (ANSES)
Per unitFrench VAT (TVA)
Dietary supplements benefit from the reduced TVA rate of 5.5% in France (classified as food products), representing a significant price advantage over cosmetics (20% TVA). Every seller storing inventory in France must have a French TVA number.
TVA Registration in France
One-timeOngoing TVA Returns (CA3 Form)
MonthlyDEB / DES Reports (Intrastat)
MonthlyOSS Usage / TVA Compliance
One-timeMarketing & PPC Advertising
Advertising on Amazon.fr is essential for success in the French supplement segment. The French dietary supplement market is growing strongly, particularly in immunity, sleep, and plant-based supplements. French consumers are health-conscious and research thoroughly. All advertising materials must comply with health claims regulations and must not contain unauthorised health promises.
Sponsored Products (CPC Advertising)
MonthlyA+ Content in French
One-timeProduct Photography & Listing Optimization
One-timeFrench SEO & Keyword Optimization
One-timeTotal Cost Estimate
Startup costs (one-time)
3,000-15,000 EUR
Ongoing costs (monthly)
500-3,500 EUR
Margin Analysis
Typical margin
35-60%
Break-even
100-300 Einheiten/Monat
Dietary supplements offer solid margins of 35-60% on Amazon.fr. The French supplement market is the second-largest in Europe after Germany, growing at 5-8% annually. Private-label supplements achieve 45-60%, while reselling branded products is closer to 35-45%. A major advantage on the French market is the reduced TVA rate of only 5.5% (compared to 20% for cosmetics and 7% in Germany), making end-consumer prices more competitive or increasing margins. FBA fees combined are approx. 20-28% of selling price, PPC costs typically 10-18% of revenue during the ramp-up phase. Regulatory startup costs are higher than on the German market, as DGCCRF notification and potential formulation adaptations to French positive lists require additional investment. Break-even is at 100-300 units per month. With an average selling price of 18-30 EUR and a net margin of 25-35% after all costs, profitable operations are realistic from approx. 150 units/month.
Cost Saving Tips
- 💡Carefully check your supplement formulation against French positive lists before submitting the DGCCRF notification. The Arrete du 9 mai 2006 defines permitted vitamins and minerals with maximum levels, and the Arrete du 24 juin 2014 governs permitted plants and plant parts. France has lower maximum levels than many other EU countries (e.g., Vitamin B6 max. 2 mg/day per ANSES recommendation). If your German formulation exceeds these limits, you must reformulate or invoke mutual recognition (Article 16), which can be a longer process.
- 💡Leverage the reduced TVA rate of 5.5% as a strategic advantage. While cosmetics in France are taxed at 20% TVA, supplements benefit from the food tax rate of 5.5%. This enables either lower end-consumer prices (competitive advantage) or higher margins at the same selling price. In Germany, the reduced rate is 7%, in France only 5.5% - an advantage of the French market. Ensure your tax advisor applies the correct rate in the TVA return.
- 💡Only use authorised health claims per EU Regulation 1924/2006 on your labels and in your Amazon listings. The DGCCRF actively monitors online marketplaces and strictly penalises unauthorised health claims. Example of authorised claim: 'La vitamine C contribue au fonctionnement normal du systeme immunitaire' (authorised), but not 'Boosts your immune system' (not authorised in this form). Copy the French version of claims exactly from the EU Register (ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling-and-nutrition/claims/nutrition-claims).
- 💡Register with Citeo and apply the Triman logo with Info-Tri sorting instructions on your packaging before sending your first product to a French FBA warehouse. Amazon.fr actively checks the EPR UIN and suspends listings without valid registration. The Info-Tri must specify for each packaging component which bin it belongs to (e.g., 'Boite: bac de tri / Opercule: bac de tri'). Citeo provides a free Info-Tri generator on its website.
- 💡Consider positioning your supplement as 'Fabrique en France' or 'Laboratoire Francais'. French consumers have particularly strong trust in local manufacturers for supplements. France has an established supplement manufacturing landscape with specialised laboratories, particularly in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region and Brittany. A French contract manufacturer can not only adapt the formulation to French positive lists but also ensure correct French labelling. Syndicat de la Dietetique et des Complements Alimentaires (SDCA) can help find suitable partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the DGCCRF notification for supplements work via the Teleicare portal?
The DGCCRF notification is done online via the Teleicare portal (https://teleicare.dgccrf.finances.gouv.fr). Under Article 15 of Decret n 2006-352, the following documents must be submitted: the complete label in French, the qualitative and quantitative composition per daily dose, analysis certificates if applicable, and safety evidence for novel ingredients. After submission, the DGCCRF has 2 months to raise objections (tacit approval: no response = approval). If objections are raised, you can adapt the formulation or invoke mutual recognition (Article 16) if the product is legally sold in another EU country. Notification must be completed before first placing on the market - selling without valid notification can result in fines and product recalls. Access credentials for the Teleicare portal are provided after registration as a food business operator.
Which ingredients may be used in supplements in France, and how do the positive lists differ from Germany?
France governs permitted supplement ingredients through two key arretees: the Arrete du 9 mai 2006 defines permitted vitamins and minerals (with maximum levels), and the Arrete du 24 juin 2014 lists permitted plants and plant parts (approx. 540 plants). The main difference from Germany: France has lower maximum levels for many vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin B6 max. 2 mg/day per ANSES recommendation, Vitamin D max. 25 mcg/day, Zinc max. 12.5 mg/day). Germany has no legally fixed maximum levels, only BfR recommendations. Additionally, the French plant list is more restrictive: some plants used as supplement ingredients in Germany (e.g., certain adaptogenic herbs) are not listed in France or only approved with restrictions. Amino acids and probiotics are also subject to specific French regulations. A thorough review by a French regulatory affairs advisor is indispensable.
Why is TVA for supplements in France only 5.5% and not 20%?
Dietary supplements are classified as food products (produits alimentaires) in France and therefore benefit from the reduced TVA rate of 5.5% under Article 278-0 bis A of the Code General des Impots (CGI). This applies provided the product is correctly declared and notified as a 'complement alimentaire'. The 5.5% rate applies to all oral supplement forms (capsules, tablets, powders, liquids). Important: If a product is classified not as a supplement but as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, the corresponding higher TVA rate applies (20% for cosmetics, 2.1% for reimbursable pharmaceuticals, 10% for non-reimbursable). The low TVA rate represents a significant competitive advantage: at a gross selling price of 25 EUR, TVA is only 1.31 EUR (5.5%) vs. 4.17 EUR (20% for cosmetics). This enables either lower prices or higher margins. In Germany, the comparable rate is 7%.
What is nutrivigilance and what reporting obligations do I have as a supplement seller in France?
Nutrivigilance is a French reporting system operated since 2009 by ANSES (Agence Nationale de Securite Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail). It serves to record and evaluate adverse effects (effets indesirables) associated with the consumption of supplements, novel foods, and fortified foods. As a supplement seller in France, you are obligated under Article L1323-1 of the Code de la Sante Publique to report serious adverse effects that come to your attention to ANSES. This means you must establish an internal system for recording consumer complaints (e.g., via Amazon customer reports). Reporting is done via an online form on the ANSES website. ANSES regularly publishes reports on supplement-related risks that can lead to regulatory changes (e.g., lowering of maximum levels). Monitor these publications regularly to identify regulatory changes early.
Can I sell my German supplement product directly in France, or do I need to change the formulation?
In many cases, you will need to adapt the formulation. Although the EU single market guarantees free movement of goods, France has more restrictive positive lists and lower maximum levels than Germany. Common issues: 1) Vitamin/mineral maximum levels: Germany has no legal maximum levels (only BfR recommendations), France sets strict limits (e.g., Vitamin B6 max. 2 mg/day). 2) Plant substances: The French plant list (Arrete du 24 juin 2014) is more restrictive than German practice. 3) Amino acids and special ingredients may be subject to stricter requirements in France. You have two options: a) Adapt the formulation to fully comply with French regulations (recommended for fast market entry), or b) invoke Article 16 (mutual recognition) if the product is legal in Germany. The Article 16 route is possible, but the DGCCRF can raise objections, extending the process to 4-6 months. A French regulatory affairs advisor can prepare a gap analysis and recommend the best strategy.