More US and Latin American brands are manufacturing their supplements in Mexico: competitive costs, proximity to the US market and flexible minimums make it an attractive option. But not every manufacturer is the same. These are the 8 questions we recommend asking any contract manufacturer — including us — before you sign.
1. Do you own the plant, or do you subcontract?
Some “manufacturers” are brokers who outsource production. That is not necessarily bad, but it adds a link to the chain and makes quality harder to trace. A company that operates its own plant controls the process, the schedule and the documentation.
2. Is the facility GMP-certified?
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are the baseline for consistent, safe production. Ask for the certificate, who issued it and which facility it covers.
3. Is the facility registered with the FDA?
If you plan to sell in the United States, the manufacturing facility must be registered with the FDA as a food facility. Be careful with anyone who says their product is “FDA approved”: the FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are marketed. Read: FDA registration vs. FDA approval.
4. What are your minimum order quantities?
High minimums tie up your capital in inventory before you have validated demand. At Telomer Lab you can start from 500 units, which lets you test price, channel and messaging before scaling.
5. Can you develop a custom formula, or only private label?
Private label is the fastest way to launch; a custom formula is how you build a product competitors can’t easily copy. The best partner can do both, so you can start with one and evolve into the other. Private label · Custom development
6. Which formats can you produce in-house?
Capsules, softgels, powders, liquid drops and single-serve sachets each require different equipment. Working with one manufacturer across formats simplifies logistics as your line grows. See our formats.
7. Do you support packaging and label review?
A label must comply with the rules of the market where it will be sold. For the US, that means dietary supplement labeling requirements, including the Supplement Facts panel and the appropriate disclaimer for structure/function claims. Ask whether your manufacturer reviews labels before printing and which markets they have experience with.
8. What are your lead times, and how do you communicate?
Ask for realistic timelines for samples, first production and reorders — and who your day-to-day contact will be. Clear communication is often what separates a good partner from a frustrating one, especially across borders.
Quick checklist
- Own plant, not a broker
- GMP certificate you can verify
- FDA facility registration (not “FDA approval”)
- Minimums that fit a first launch
- Private label and custom development
- Multiple formats under one roof
- Label and packaging support
- Clear timelines and a single point of contact
How Telomer Lab answers these questions
We have been developing and manufacturing supplements for 15 years in our own GMP-certified plant in Mexico, registered with COFEPRIS and with the FDA. We offer private label and custom development across capsules, softgels, powders, drops and sachets, starting from 500 units. See our quality and compliance.
FAQ
Why manufacture supplements in Mexico?
Proximity to the US, competitive costs and flexible minimums. What matters most is choosing a manufacturer with its own plant, GMP certification and FDA facility registration.
Can a Mexican manufacturer produce supplements for the US market?
Yes, as long as the facility is registered with the FDA and the product and label meet US dietary supplement requirements.
What is the minimum order at Telomer Lab?
You can start from 500 units. The ideal quantity depends on format, packaging and sales channel.
Tell us about your project
How can we help?
Tell us about your project on WhatsApp and we’ll walk you through the next steps. We reply in English and Spanish.
Tell us about your project.
Share a few details and we’ll get back to you with a proposal: formula, format, timing and cost.
