Introduction
“Can I sell peptides on Shopify in the UK?” — yes, but how you position the product determines everything: compliance, payments, and even whether your store gets banned.
- Research peptides → sold strictly for laboratory research use only (not for human consumption).
- Peptide supplements → marketed for ingestion and therefore treated as foods/Novel Foods under the UK FSA framework.
This guide clarifies the differences, shows you how to structure product pages safely, and explains why Pay by Bank (Wallid) is the payment method that actually works for both research-use stores and compliant supplement brands.
TL;DR (Key Takeaways)
- Shopify Payments / Stripe do not allow peptide or research-chemical sales.
- Research-use peptides must display clear “Not for human consumption” disclaimers across site + packaging.
- Supplements require Novel Foods status (where applicable), compliant labels, and no medical claims.
- Age verification (18+) is strongly recommended for both categories.
- Pay by Bank (Wallid): instant payouts, no chargebacks, open-banking security, and friendly to regulated verticals.
Core Differences: Research Peptides vs Supplements (UK 2025)
Short version: If a product is intended to be swallowed/ingested, expect food law (Novel Foods, labeling, claims). If it’s research-only, you must never imply ingestion or benefits; your copy and packaging must reflect research use only.
What changes on your Shopify store:
- Category & copy (research vs food)
- Labels and disclaimers
- Allowed ad channels (performance claims prohibited)
- Payment method eligibility
- Customer KYC / age checks
- Shipping partners tolerance (some refuse research chemicals)
Product Page Rules & Examples
If you sell Research-Use Peptides
- Add prominent disclaimers:
- “For laboratory research use only. Not intended for human consumption.”
- Avoid any physiological or performance claims (no “muscle growth”, “fat loss”, “sleep improvement”).
- COAs / lab reports downloadable per SKU.
- Age gate (18+) at entry or checkout.
- Shipping: choose carriers that accept research chemicals.
If you sell Peptide Supplements
- Check if the ingredient is authorised (Novel Foods status where applicable).
- Supplement label with ingredients, quantities, allergens, warnings, batch/lot, best before, business address.
- No medical claims; health claims must be authorised & worded correctly.
- Refund/returns and storage guidance clearly stated.
- Consider subscription where legally permitted.
Payments: What Actually Works on Shopify UK
Card networks routinely flag both research-use and certain supplement categories. That’s why Open Banking Pay by Bank is the most reliable route:
- Instant settlement → cash flow today, not in 3–7 days.
- No chargebacks → fewer disputes & admin time.
- Bank-verified identity → higher trust, safer checkout.
- Age verification can be enforced at payment (bank-verified DOB).
Compliance Checklist (Copy this)
- ✅ Decide: Research-use vs Supplement (don’t mix in one product listing).
- ✅ Show COA/Lab report per SKU.
- ✅ Add age verification (18+).
- ✅ Keep no-claims or strictly authorised claims only.
- ✅ Use Pay by Bank (Wallid) as your primary payment method.
- ✅ Publish Refund, Shipping, Privacy policies.
- ✅ Footer note on fees: standard 1% + £0.25; high-volume from 0.7% + £0.25 (final rate on onboarding).
UX: Reducing Abandonment in Peptide Checkout
- Use express options (Pay by Bank) to skip card entry & 3-D Secure failures.
- Place trust badges (bank-level security, verified merchant, COA links) above payment methods.
- Add delivery & returns microcopy on the checkout/side cart (reduces hesitation).
- Provide Buy Now deep-links for influencers/UGC (works great with Pay by Bank and Tilda).
FAQ
1) Can I sell peptides on Shopify UK?
Yes — as research-use only (with proper disclaimers) or as supplements if compliant with UK food law. Do not use Shopify Payments for peptides.
2) Do I need FSA Novel Foods approval?
If the peptide is marketed for ingestion (supplement), check Novel Foods/authorised status. Research-use products must not be marketed for consumption.
3) What goes on the product page?
Research-use: disclaimers + COA + no claims.
Supplements: full label + authorised claims only + COA.
4) Which payment gateway should I use?
Pay by Bank (Wallid) — works for regulated categories, instant payouts, no chargebacks.
5) Do I need age verification?
Strongly recommended for both categories (18+). Bank-verified age via Pay by Bank is ideal.
Speakable Summary
“On Shopify UK, research peptides must be sold for laboratory use only with clear ‘not for human consumption’ disclaimers. Supplements require compliance with the UK FSA’s food rules, correct labels, and authorised claims. Shopify Payments usually blocks peptides; use Pay by Bank for instant, compliant payments and add age verification.”
