What License Do You Need to Sell Sea Moss?

In the United States, there is no specific license required to sell sea moss; however, you will be expected to obtain certain basic business licenses that are necessary to run a business in your location.

Aside from that, you might as well be expected to get a license to harvest it, although this will depend on where you are harvesting it from. For instance, if you intend to harvest from a protected area, such as a national park, you will have to get a permit.

Nevertheless, selling sea moss in the United States can turn out to be a lucrative business opportunity, particularly if you take into account its massive popularity as a health supplement.

However, you will need to obtain some business licenses to sell sea moss in the United States. To ensure you obtain the right information, you may have to reach out to legal professionals or relevant government agencies.

Licenses Needed to Sell Sea Moss

1. Business License

The essence of this license is to prove that you are allowed to operate legally within the jurisdiction. Ensure to reach out to your local city or county where you plan to operate and get the right information on the processes necessary to start and run a sea moss business.

Most often, this will include registering your business name, getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, as well as conforming to zoning regulations

2. Food Handler’s Permit

In the United States, sea moss is considered a consumable product, as such you might be expected to obtain a food handler’s permit or food establishment license.

However, it is imperative to note that this regulation tends to differ from one state to another. Owing to that, it is vital you first reach out to your local health department. Aside from that, ensure to obtain all the requisite information you need to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

3. Seller’s Permit

It is important to verify if you are required to obtain a seller’s permit or sales tax license from your state’s revenue agency to sell sea moss in your location.

Note that this is very important especially when it comes to collecting and remitting sales tax on your sea moss products. You will want to contact the state’s revenue agency to understand the process and the associated fees.

4. Labeling Compliance

You must ensure that you are in full compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for labeling and packaging.

You need to appropriately label sea moss products with the right and precise information as per the ingredients, and nutritional facts, coupled with any other additional health claims.

5. Import License (if applicable)

Just as it was noted above, you might be expected to get a license to harvest sea moss depending on where you are harvesting it from.

However, if you intend to import the sea moss you will be selling, you may have to obtain an import license from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to clear customs.

You would want to reach out or contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to understand the necessary process and requirements to obtain the necessary import licenses while also conforming with import regulations. Also, make sure to get familiar with the Harmonized System (HS) codes for sea moss.