1. Legal basis for supply
NMChem supplies compounds as research reference materials under the UK research exemption framework. Products are not placed on the market as medicinal products, cosmetics, food supplements, or veterinary products. The supply of peptides and research chemicals for bona fide scientific research is a lawful activity in the UK when compounds are correctly classified, properly documented, and sold only to qualifying buyers. NMChem holds all appropriate business registrations and maintains records of supplier documentation for all incoming stock.
Certain compounds in our catalogue are subject to additional regulatory oversight. SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are not scheduled as controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the UK but are prohibited for use in sport by WADA and by the World Anti-Doping Code. We supply these compounds exclusively for analytical and research purposes and require buyers to confirm they will not be used in connection with any sport or competition.
GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide and tirzepatide are authorised medicinal products in the UK when supplied by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers through regulated channels. Research reference standards of these compounds are supplied by NMChem for analytical and comparative research only, not as substitutes for licensed medicines. Buyers are responsible for ensuring their use falls within the research exemption applicable in their jurisdiction.
2. Intended use policy
All products are sold with the explicit condition that they will be used only for in-vitro laboratory research. The buyer confirms at the point of purchase that the compounds will not be administered to humans or animals, will not be used in food or cosmetic products, and will not be sold or transferred to any third party without appropriate authorisation.
NMChem reserves the right to decline or cancel any order where we have reasonable grounds to believe the intended use does not meet these conditions. Refunds are issued for cancelled orders where no dispatch has taken place.
3. Buyer eligibility
The catalogue is accessible only to buyers who have passed the access gate and confirmed their status as qualified researchers or institutional buyers. Confirmation at the gate does not constitute a formal eligibility assessment — we rely on the honesty of the buyer's self-declaration and on our general awareness of the profile of legitimate buyers in this market.
NMChem operates a risk-based approach to eligibility. Orders from unrecognised email domains, unusual delivery addresses, or unusual order compositions may be subject to additional verification. We may request evidence of institutional affiliation before processing.
4. Institutional buyer requirements
Institutional buyers — universities, research hospitals, commercial laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies — may request a formal account with purchase order terms. Institutional accounts require submission of an institutional letterhead confirming the intended research use, the name and contact details of the responsible researcher, and the institutional address for deliveries.
Institutional buyers have access to extended batch documentation, priority technical support, and named account management on request. All institutional records are retained for a minimum of six years in line with our record-keeping obligations.
5. Export control
The UK has export control obligations under the Export Control Order 2008 and subsequent amendments. Certain chemicals and research materials may require an export licence depending on destination and end use. NMChem screens all international orders against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists and the consolidated list of financial sanctions targets.
Buyers outside the UK are responsible for ensuring the import of compounds is lawful in their jurisdiction before placing an order. NMChem will not ship to jurisdictions where we have reasonable grounds to believe the order would breach local law, and we reserve the right to request end-use certificates for shipments to certain destinations.
6. Record keeping
NMChem retains the following records for a minimum of six years: order records including buyer details and delivery address, product batch records including COA and supplier documentation, dispatch records, and any buyer correspondence relevant to eligibility or intended use. These records are held securely and disclosed only where required by law or where a legitimate regulatory authority makes a lawful request.
7. Regulatory changes
The regulatory landscape for research chemicals in the UK continues to evolve. NMChem monitors changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act schedules, the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, MHRA guidance on research exemptions, and other relevant regulatory frameworks. We update our catalogue and compliance posture in response to regulatory changes and will notify registered buyers of changes that affect compounds they have previously purchased.