Does my product need to be FDA approved?

Author: Hosea Heaney  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

While not all products require pre-approval by the FDA, the FDA still has regulatory authority in the event of public safety concerns. The FDA has regulatory authority in the event of a public safety issue related to your product.

Do all products need to be FDA approved?

And some products — such as cosmetics and dietary supplements — can generally be marketed with no prior approval. At the heart of all FDA's medical product evaluation decisions is a judgment about whether a new product's benefits to users will outweigh its risks.

Can products be sold without FDA approval?

FDA Approval is Required by Law

Federal law requires all new drugs in the U.S. be shown to be safe and effective for their intended use prior to marketing. However, some drugs are available in the U.S. even though they have never received the required FDA approval.

What items do not require FDA approval?

The ingredients (except certain colors) and labeling of cosmetics, such as many perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations do not require FDA approval.

Is FDA approval necessary?

Not all such products require FDA approval before going on the market. Most are, however, under the regulatory authority of the FDA in the event of safety-related concerns. Below is a list of the type of products that are regulated by the federal government.

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Is it OK to take something not FDA approved?

Unapproved medication

There are still some medications that have never been approved by the FDA for any use. No one should take these drugs. If a medication has never been through the FDA approval process, we don't know enough about it to know if it is safe.

When a product lacks FDA approval?

The lack of FDA approval for a different indication, specifically, means that relevant data to establish safety and effectiveness for that indication have not been transmitted to, reviewed and approved by the FDA.

Can you sell food that isn't FDA approved?

Food Businesses Subject to FDA Regulation

FDA regulates all foods and food ingredients introduced into or offered for sale in interstate commerce, with the exception of meat, poultry, and certain processed egg products regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Can I sell homemade skin care products?

Yes. FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Under MoCRA, which expanded FDA's authority under the FD&C Act law, cosmetics must not be adulterated or misbranded.

What does it mean if a product is not FDA approved?

Since unregistered food products have not gone through evaluation process of the FDA, the agency cannot guarantee their quality and safety. The consumption of such violative products may pose health risk to consumers. In light of the foregoing, the public is advised not to purchase violative products.

Do I need to register my product with the FDA?

Domestic and foreign establishments that manufacture, repack, or re-label drug products in the United States are required to register with the FDA. Domestic and foreign drug manufacturers, repackers or re-labelers are also required to list all of their commercially marketed drug products.

Are vapes FDA approved?

It subsequently concluded that the potential benefits of helping adult smokers quit do not outweigh the potential health risks to young people, who are most attracted to non-tobacco flavored vapes. The FDA has approved menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, as well as some that are tobacco-flavored.

How do I get my products FDA approved?

A pharmaceutical company seeking FDA approval to sell a new prescription drug must complete a five-step process: discovery/concept, preclinical research, clinical research, FDA review and FDA post-market safety monitoring.

Does handmade soap need FDA approval?

You don't need FDA approval to sell soap if it meets the regulatory definition of soap and is marketed solely for cleansing. If you market your product as moisturizing or you make any therapeutic claims, it may be classified as a cosmetic or drug, which requires following different regulations.

How hard is it to get FDA approval?

This ensures that any serious or rare side effects that may not have occurred in the clinical trials can be evaluated. On average, it takes ten years to get a new medication approved by the FDA. Only about ten percent of potential drugs make it through the rigorous process to become FDA approved.

Do I need a license to sell homemade soap?

You might need to get a business license to operate legally, though this is on a state-by-state or even more local basis. You'll also need to adhere to specific FDA guidelines and regulations to market your soap, and it's your responsibility to properly label and ensure your product is safe to use.

How much does it cost to start your own skincare line?

Just like any other business, a successful skin care business requires enough money to finance startup costs as well as a plan to yield enough income to ensure financial stability. How much do you need to have in hand? You can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000 to start a skin care business from scratch.

Do you need a license to sell skincare on Etsy?

Etsy's seller policies do not require you to have a business license to sell on their platform.

Do all products have to be FDA approved?

While not all products require pre-approval by the FDA, the FDA still has regulatory authority in the event of public safety concerns. The FDA has regulatory authority in the event of a public safety issue related to your product.

Do I need FDA approval to sell on Amazon?

Can you sell non-FDA approved products on Amazon? The short answer is no, as the platform requires all products to have FDA approval before being listed. Much like other regulations, ones put forth by the FDA are designed to protect customers and your business.

What are the 5 phases of FDA approval?

Information For
  • Step 1: Discovery and Development.
  • Step 2: Preclinical Research.
  • Step 3: Clinical Research.
  • Step 4: FDA Drug Review.
  • Step 5: FDA Post-Market Drug Safety Monitoring.

Can food be sold if it's not FDA-approved?

Products like food and dietary supplements can be marketed without obtaining prior approval from the FDA. However, you have to comply with the general regulatory requirements listed below.

What claim does not require FDA approval?

FDA generally does not approve dietary supplement claims or other labeling before use. Under the FD&C Act, a firm is responsible for ensuring that the dietary supplements it manufactures or distributes are not adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise in violation of federal law.

Is the FDA necessary?

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

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