empty capsules

The choice depends on your filling material and target market. Gelatin capsules (made from bovine or porcine collagen) are the industry standard due to their lower cost and high mechanical stability. However, for vegan, vegetarian, or religious markets (Halal/Kosher), you should opt for HPMC (Hypromellose) capsules, which are plant-based and have a lower moisture content (4-7%), making them ideal for hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive formulations.

As a pharmaceutical/nutraceutical secondary packaging product, suppliers must provide GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification. For the US market, ensure the manufacturer is FDA registered and provides a DMF (Drug Master File) number. For European markets, EDQM (CEP) certification is vital. Additionally, look for ISO 9001 for quality management and COA (Certificate of Analysis) for every batch to verify disintegration time, microbial limits, and heavy metal content.

Capsule sizes range from 000 (largest) to 5 (smallest). The selection depends on the bulk density of your powder and the target dosage weight. For example, Size 00 typically holds 600mg to 1100mg, while Size 0 holds 400mg to 800mg. It is highly recommended to request samples for a trial run on your specific filling machine to ensure locking compatibility and minimize breakage rates.

To prevent machine downtime, prioritize capsules with a 'six-dimple' or 'dual-ring' locking design to prevent premature opening. Ensure the tapered rim of the body allows for telescope-free joining. High-quality suppliers on Made-in-China.com often provide capsules with a brittleness rate of <1% and consistent wall thickness to withstand the mechanical stress of high-speed automatic fillers.

Empty capsules are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. They must be shipped in temperature-controlled containers (Reefer containers) maintained between 15°C to 25°C with a relative humidity of 35% to 65%. Extreme heat can cause capsule deformation or sticking, while low humidity makes them brittle. Always confirm that your freight forwarder uses heavy-duty corrugated boxes with antistatic liners.

Utilize secure payment escrow services provided by platforms like Made-in-China.com to ensure funds are only released upon proof of shipment. Before placing a bulk order, conduct a factory audit or hire a third-party inspection agency (like SGS or Intertek) to perform a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) to verify quantity, packaging integrity, and COA compliance.

Customs often scrutinize the origin of the raw materials (especially for bovine gelatin due to BSE/TSE risks). Ensure the supplier provides a BSE/TSE-Free Certificate. Additionally, ensure the HS Code (typically 9602.00 or 3923.90) is correctly declared to avoid tariff penalties or seizure. Always verify if your local Ministry of Health or FDA requires an import permit for 'empty shells'.

For custom colors or logo printing, suppliers usually require a higher MOQ (typically 1 million pieces or 100 cartons). To optimize costs, negotiate a blanket order where you commit to a yearly volume to lock in tier-1 pricing, but request staggered shipments to ensure product freshness and reduce your own warehousing pressure.