Hard Gelatin Capsule Manufacturer for Supplement Brands

The plant runs automatic capsule filling lines with output up to 120,000 capsules per hour across multiple shifts. We fill powder, pellet, granule and combination formats. Tooling is available for all standard sizes from 000 to 4. Changeover between sizes takes under 4 hours. For brands scaling from pilot to retail, we hold the same tooling across both runs so fill weight stays consistent.

We handle capsule polishing, banding and printing in-line. Banding reduces tampering risk and is common for nutraceutical SKUs. Printing supports batch codes, expiry dates and brand marks. If your formula is moisture-sensitive, we can run production at controlled humidity below 35% RH. That matters for probiotic and enzyme blends.

Hard gelatin capsules work with a wide excipient range. We source magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose and dicalcium phosphate from approved suppliers with full traceability. For botanical extracts, we test flowability and compressibility before committing to a fill weight. Typical fill weights range from 150 mg in size 4 to 1,200 mg in size 000, depending on bulk density.

We also produce capsules with enteric coatings, delayed-release and sustained-release profiles. These use coated pellets or granulated actives. If your formula includes oils or liquid actives, we recommend a softgel or liquid-filled hard capsule instead. EUPHM evaluates each formula for compatibility before sampling. That step prevents fill-weight drift and capsule brittleness during storage.

Every batch is tested for weight variation, disintegration, and microbial limits. We follow USP <711> and USP <701> methods. Heavy metals, pesticide residues and solvent residues are tested per EU and US pharmacopeia where applicable. The facility is FDA-registered for dietary supplements. Certificates of analysis are issued per batch and retained for 5 years.

Documentation packs include MMR, BMR, CoA, MSDS, allergen statements and country-of-origin declarations. For halal buyers, we provide certificates from recognised certification bodies. Organic and projects require separate ingredient verification. Lead times for documentation review add 2-3 working days before production release.

Hard gelatin capsules can be packed in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with induction seals and child-resistant closures, in blister packs using PVC/PVDC or aluminium-aluminium formats, in stick packs for single-dose powders, or in sachets for granule-filled capsules. Bottle sizes range from 30 cc to 500 cc, with standard fills of 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180 capsules. Blister packs are typically 10 capsules per card, with cartons holding 2, 3, 6 or 10 cards. Stick packs and sachets are filled at 2 g to 10 g per unit, depending on the formulation.

For the US market, labels must include the statement of identity, net quantity of contents, ingredient list, allergen declaration where applicable, and a supplement facts panel formatted according to 21 CFR 101.36. The manufacturer can print lot numbers and expiry dates using inkjet or laser coding on the bottle, carton or blister foil. Expiry dating is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture for standard hard gelatin capsules, supported by the stability protocol. Cartons are specified with dimensions, board grade and printing requirements, and pallets are configured to standard 1200 mm × 1000 mm or 48 in × 40 in footprints with a maximum height of 1.8 m and stretch-wrapped for export.

For Amazon and other retail channels, the factory can apply FNSKU labels, poly-bag units and prepare cartons to Amazon FBA requirements, including carton weight limits of 15 kg for standard parcels and 23 kg for oversize, with a maximum of one shipment ID per carton. Retail-ready packaging can include display-ready cartons with perforated fronts. All artwork is checked against a pre-press proof, and a signed approval is required before printing. The factory does not provide legal review of label claims; brand owners remain responsible for claim substantiation and market-specific regulatory compliance.

Packaging line capacity is 30,000 bottles per shift for standard 60-count HDPE bottles, with in-line checkweighers, metal detectors and vision systems for label placement. Blister lines run at 200 blisters per minute. Each packaging batch record links the bulk capsule batch number to the packaging lot, and a packaging COA is issued separately if required. Customer-supplied components are accepted after a component qualification check, and any non-conforming bottles or labels are quarantined and reported.

Sampling for a new hard gelatin capsule product typically takes 7 to 10 working days after receipt of the formulation, target fill weight and capsule size. The sample includes a small pilot batch of 100 to 500 capsules, a draft COA and a packaging mock-up if requested. Sample approval is required before mass production is scheduled. Once approved and the deposit is received, mass production runs 20 to 35 working days, depending on capsule size, fill weight, packaging format and whether the customer supplies components. Orders above 500,000 capsules may require an additional 5 to 10 working days for scheduling.

Shipping is arranged by air or sea. Air freight typically takes 5 to 8 days door-to-door for 100 kg to 500 kg shipments, while sea freight takes 25 to 35 days port-to-port for full container loads. Less-than-container-load (LCL) sea shipments are available for 1 to 5 pallets. Incoterms offered are EXW, FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, and DDP for selected destinations. The factory provides a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of analysis, material safety data sheet (MSDS) where applicable, and a free-sale certificate for markets that require it. Phytosanitary certificates are not applicable to gelatin capsules but can be arranged for herbal powder blends where required by the destination country.

MOQ for retail bottling is 1,000 units per SKU, and lower for pilot runs of 500 to 1,000 units with a pilot-run surcharge. Bulk capsule orders in polybags or fibre drums start at 100,000 capsules per size and fill weight. Lead times are confirmed in the proforma invoice, and any change to the specification after deposit may extend the production window. The factory recommends booking sea freight at least 14 days before the planned ship date to secure container space, and air freight at least 7 days before.

Delivery terms are confirmed in writing before production begins. The factory ships from Guangdong, China, and can consolidate multiple SKUs into one shipment to reduce freight costs. For DDP shipments, the factory arranges customs clearance and import duties, and the customer receives a delivery note with the shipment. All documents are provided in English, and additional languages can be arranged for labels and packing lists on request.