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How to Legally Sell Research Peptides on Shopify UK (2025 Guide)

Key Takeaways

  • Shopify UK allows peptide sales, but not through Shopify Payments.
  • Peptides are classed as novel foods / research-only substances, so must be marketed with the correct disclaimers.
  • If sold for research use only, clear non-consumption disclaimers must be displayed.
  • Third-party lab reports (COAs) are essential for trust & approval.
  • Age verification is strongly advised to avoid underage sales.
  • Only peptide-friendly payment gateways like Pay by Bank support these merchants.
  • Wallid offers secure, chargeback-free checkout for high-risk supplements and research products.

Sep-by-Step Compliance Checklist for Shopify Peptide Stores (UK 2025)

  • ✅ Verify products under UK Novel Foods framework (if marketed for consumption)
  • ✅ If sold for research purposes only, add clear disclaimers (not for human consumption)
  • ✅ Display lab reports & COAs for transparency
  • ✅ Add age verification at checkout (recommended 18+)
  • ✅ Use a high-risk friendly payment gateway (Pay by Bank)
  • ✅ Publish refund, shipping, and privacy policies
  • ✅ Avoid all medical or performance claims

1. Novel Foods vs Research-Only Status

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulates peptides and related supplements under the Novel Foods framework if marketed for consumption.
  • If marketed as supplements: must comply with FSA Novel Foods authorisation.
  • If marketed as research-only: labels and product descriptions must clearly state: “For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.”
This disclaimer is critical for Shopify peptide stores to avoid regulatory risk.

2. Lab Testing & COAs

To stay compliant and build trust:
  • Provide independent lab test results for every peptide.
  • Clearly list purity levels, safety reports, and source of peptides.
  • Display downloadable COAs on product pages.

3. Age Verification for Peptides

While peptides are not tobacco or alcohol, regulators strongly advise restricting access to adults.
  • Install a Shopify age verification tool (or use Pay by Bank’s built-in ID verification).
  • Add an age disclaimer across your site (footer, product pages).

4. Payment Gateway for Peptides on Shopify

Shopify Payments prohibits peptide and high-risk supplement sales. You’ll need a compliant third-party gateway:
  • Pay by Bank (Wallid): No chargebacks, instant payouts, full support for high-risk merchants.
  • Viva Wallet / WorldPay: Accept peptides but with higher fees and slower onboarding.

5. Legal Policies & Disclaimers

Your Shopify peptide store must:
  • Publish Refund Policy, Shipping Policy, and Privacy Policy.
  • Display age restriction notices (recommended 18+).
  • If sold as research products: prominently state “Not intended for human consumption. For research purposes only.”
  • Include disclaimers: “Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
Payment Gateway Peptide-Friendly UK Support Chargeback Risk Shopify Integration
Pay by Bank (Wallid) ✅ Yes Full None App + Checkout Extension
Viva Wallet ✅ Yes Partial ⚠ Medium Manual Setup
WorldPay ✅ Yes Partial ⚠ Medium API Integration

Conclusion

Selling peptides on Shopify UK in 2025 is possible — but only if you stay within compliance. If marketed as supplements, you must meet Novel Foods requirements. If marketed as research-only products, your site must display “not for human consumption” disclaimers everywhere.
From lab reports to age verification and the right payment gateway, every step ensures your store avoids suspension and legal risk.
Wallid’s Pay by Bank is built for high-risk merchants like peptide sellers. With no chargebacks, lower fees, and built-in verification, it’s the safest way to accept payments on Shopify UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I sell peptides on Shopify UK?
Yes, but Shopify Payments does not allow peptides. You must use a third-party gateway like Pay by Bank. You must also comply with Novel Foods regulations or sell strictly as research-only.
2. Do peptides need FSA approval?
If marketed for human consumption (as supplements), peptides fall under the UK’s Novel Foods framework and require authorisation. If sold as research-only, disclaimers must state not for consumption.
3. Can I advertise peptides as muscle growth or performance enhancers?
No. Medical, therapeutic, or performance claims are prohibited. You can only market peptides as research-use or supplements with approved status.
4. What disclaimers are required for research peptides?
You must clearly display: “For research use only. Not intended for human consumption.” across product descriptions and site pages.
5. Which payment gateways accept peptides on Shopify?
Wallid Pay by Bank is the safest, with ~1% fees and no chargebacks. Other options like Viva Wallet and WorldPay may accept peptides but charge higher rates.
6. Do I need age verification to sell peptides?
Not legally mandatory, but strongly advised. Many peptide merchants implement 18+ checks to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
7. Can Shopify shut down my peptide store?
Yes, if you use Shopify Payments or violate policies. To reduce risk, use a compliant gateway and maintain proper disclaimers, lab reports, and policies.
8. Are there shipping restrictions for peptides?
Yes. Some couriers do not handle high-risk or research chemicals. Always choose compliant partners and include accurate product descriptions.
2025-10-03 20:31 high risk gateway