Empty Gelatin Capsules
The Classic Choice

Empty Hard Gelatin Capsules

Empty Gelatin Capsule Shells

Classic two-piece hard capsule shells for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and supplement product development

Registration & Quality Documents

China CDE registration status A and quality records available for procurement review

NMPA/CDE Registered
Registration No.: F20240000553
China CDE Registration Status A
China CDE registration status A means the listed capsule excipient is recorded by China's CDE as approved for use in marketed drug products within the registration and associated review framework. Buyers should still verify the current official record, registered product name, specification, and project use.

Product Advantages

Professional quality you can rely on

Proven Technology

Traditional gelatin capsule manufacturing process with mature, stable technology you can trust

Quality Assured

Meets pharmaceutical standards with rigorous quality management systems in place

Reliable Supply

Annual production capacity of 20 billion capsules with order planning and bulk supply support

Key Benefits

Proven manufacturing with reliable supply and consistent quality
Excellent value with clear cost advantages
Compatible with most pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations
Full range of sizes available with custom options
Broad compatibility with many common formulations
Registration No. F20240000553 and China CDE status A are available for supplier qualification review

Hard Gelatin Capsule Buyer Guide

Material, hard-vs-soft distinction, size selection, and document notes for empty gelatin capsule buyers.

What are hard gelatin capsules?

Hard gelatin capsules are two-piece empty capsule shells used for filling compatible powders, granules, or other dry contents. They remain a classic choice because of mature manufacturing, broad formulation compatibility, and reliable bulk supply.

What is a gelatin capsule made of?

Gelatin capsule shells are made from gelatin and supporting ingredients required for capsule shell performance. Buyers should confirm the exact specification sheet, quality documents, and target market requirements before ordering samples.

Hard gelatin capsules vs soft gelatin capsules

This page focuses on hard gelatin capsules, the two-piece empty shell format used for filling. Soft gelatin capsules are a different dosage form, so buyers should not treat hard capsule sourcing and softgel sourcing as the same purchasing process.

Capsule sizes and fill weight

Common empty gelatin capsule sizes include 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Fill weight is only an estimate because powder density, flowability, and filling equipment can change the actual result.

Buyer requirements: size, color, printing and quality documents

Confirm hard gelatin capsule size and expected fill weight
Compare gelatin with HPMC or pullulan if plant-based positioning is required
Provide color and printing requirements before sampling
Confirm sample quantity, bulk quantity, and packaging requirements
Request COA, specification sheet, and traceability records
Check target market document needs before approving bulk orders

Size Specifications

Multiple sizes available to meet your requirements

SizeCap Length (mm)Body Length (mm)Volume (ml)Fill Weight (mg)
00#11.50~11.9020.00~20.400.95500-950
0#10.70~11.1018.40~18.800.68350-680
1#9.60~10.0016.40~16.800.50250-500
2#8.80~9.2015.20~15.600.37180-370
3#7.90~8.3013.40~13.800.30150-300
4#7.00~7.4012.00~12.400.21100-210

Color Options & Customization

Extensive color choices with personalized customization available

Clear Capsules

Clear Capsules

Classic clear design with fully visible contents

Colored Capsules

Colored Capsules

Wide range of color options for distinct branding

Dual-Color Capsules

Dual-Color Capsules

Different colors for cap and body to showcase your brand identity

Custom Colors

Custom Colors

Custom color development to match your brand specifications

* Broad standard color options are available, with custom color development to match confirmed requirements

Discuss Custom Options

Packaging Information

Secure packaging ensures quality preservation

Packaging Quantities

SizeCapsules per Case
00#70,000/case
0#100,000/case
1#140,000/case
2#180,000/case
3#200,000/case
4#250,000/case

* Smaller quantity orders available, contact us for details

Packaging Materials

📦 Outer Packaging

High-strength 5-layer corrugated cartons, robust and crush-resistant, providing excellent protection during transportation

🛡️ Inner Packaging

Double-layer pharmaceutical-grade LDPE bags with excellent moisture barrier properties; additional moisture protection available for special regions

Applications

Widely used across multiple industries

💊

Pharmaceuticals

Suitable for all types of pharmaceutical formulations, including Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine

🌿

Nutraceuticals

Extensively used in the dietary supplement industry to meet diverse formulation needs

🔬

Nutritional Supplements

Suitable for many nutritional supplement product concepts and formulation requirements

Need More Information?

Our team is ready to provide expert product consultation and customized solutions for your requirements

Hard Gelatin Capsule FAQ

What are gelatin capsules made of?

Hard gelatin capsules are typically made from pharmaceutical-grade gelatin and are widely used as empty capsule shells for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

What is the difference between hard and soft gelatin capsules?

Hard gelatin capsules are two-piece empty capsule shells used for filling powders, granules, or compatible contents. Soft gelatin capsules are a different format and are not the main focus of this hard capsule page.

Can hard gelatin capsules be printed?

Printing requirements should be confirmed before sampling. Buyers should provide artwork, color, target market, quantity, and any regulatory limits for inks or markings.

Which sizes are available for empty gelatin capsules?

Standard hard gelatin capsule sizes include 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Fill weight depends on material density, flowability, and filling conditions.

What documents should buyers request?

Buyers commonly request COA, specification sheets, batch records, traceability information, and market-specific documentation before approving samples or bulk orders.