Empty hard gelatin capsules

Selecting the correct size is critical for dosage accuracy. Standard sizes range from 000 (largest, ~1.37ml) to 5 (smallest, ~0.13ml), with Size 0 and 00 being the most common for dietary supplements. Ensure the material is 100% bovine bone gelatin to guarantee high clarity and mechanical strength. For specialized markets, verify if the capsules are BSE/TSE-free and whether the moisture content is maintained between 13% - 16% to prevent brittleness or softening.

B2B buyers must prioritize suppliers with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification and ISO 9001 quality management systems. For international trade, ensure the products comply with USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or EP (European Pharmacopoeia) standards. If targeting specific consumer groups, look for Halal and Kosher certifications, which are mandatory for many global markets. Always request a COA (Certificate of Analysis) for every batch to verify microbial limits and disintegration time.

To minimize downtime, capsules must have high filling rates (ideally >99.9%). Key technical attributes include locking ring design (to prevent leakage) and dimple consistency. Ensure the capsules are compatible with high-speed automatic filling machines by checking the wall thickness uniformity. Suppliers on Made-in-China.com often provide samples for trial runs to ensure the capsules do not split or dent during the high-pressure mechanical filling process.

Gelatin is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. They must be stored in a controlled environment with a temperature between 15°C and 25°C and relative humidity between 35% and 65%. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. When sourcing, confirm that the supplier uses heavy-duty corrugated cartons with antistatic plastic liners to protect the capsules from moisture fluctuations during long-distance cross-border transit.

The biggest risk is customs rejection due to non-compliance with health regulations. Since gelatin is an animal-derived product, many countries require a Health Certificate or Veterinary Certificate. Another risk is thermal damage during shipping; if the containers cross the equator or sit in hot ports, the capsules may fuse together. It is highly recommended to use reefer containers (refrigerated) or schedule shipments during cooler months.

Utilize the Secured Trading services on Made-in-China.com to protect your payments. Before placing a large order, conduct a factory audit or hire a third-party inspection firm (like SGS or Intertek) to verify the production environment. Never pay 100% upfront; a standard 30% deposit and 70% balance against the Bill of Lading (B/L) is a safer negotiation strategy for bulk pharmaceutical excipients.

Check for anti-dumping duties or specific import tariffs on gelatin products in your country. For shipping, ensure the Incoterms are clearly defined; CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) is often preferred for new buyers, but FOB (Free On Board) gives you more control over the logistics costs. Ensure all packaging is labeled with batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and expiry dates to comply with international traceability laws.