Understanding bulk fish oil specifications is essential for supplement brands, importers, distributors and OEM manufacturers that need stable omega-3 ingredients for softgels, capsules, liquids and private-label formulas. A fish oil product should not be selected only by price per kg. Buyers should compare EPA content, DHA content, total omega-3 content, EE/TG/rTG form, oxidation values, contaminant testing, packaging, MOQ, certificates, and supplier reliability.
What Is Bulk Fish Oil?
Bulk fish oil is a refined marine lipid ingredient naturally rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, mainly EPA and DHA. It is also called omega-3 fish oil, EPA DHA fish oil, fish oil concentrate, refined fish oil, marine oil, Bulk Fish Oil Liquid, fish oil softgel oil and fish oil supplement ingredient.
Commercial fish oil is normally supplied as a light yellow to pale yellow liquid with a slight characteristic fish-like odor. It is practically insoluble in water and is widely used in fish oil softgels, fish oil capsules, liquid omega-3 supplements, functional foods, nutrition products and pet formulas. Provita’s bulk fish oil product page lists 1812EE, 1812TG, 3322EE, and 3624EE as the main specifications, with 190 kg steel drum packaging and an annual capacity of 600 tons. (ProVita Biotech)
For buyers seeking finished-product support, Provita Biotech also offers OEM supplement manufacturing and raw material sourcing services.
Fish Oil Sources and Traceability
Fish oil can be produced from various marine sources, including anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, menhaden, tuna, salmon, cod, and pollock. Small pelagic fish are commonly used for EPA/DHA fish oil concentrates, while tuna oil is often associated with DHA-rich products.
Buyers should also distinguish fish body oil from fish liver oil. Fish body oil is commonly used for EPA DHA omega-3 concentrates. Fish liver oil, such as cod liver oil, may naturally contain vitamins A and D and should not automatically be treated as the same ingredient.
For bulk purchasing, request the fish species, country of origin, FAO catch zone, wild-caught or farmed status, sustainability documents, and batch traceability information. In Provita’s current fish oil documents, the exact species source is not specified in the files, so the safest B2B wording is that the source species and origin can be confirmed based on the selected grade and batch.
EPA and DHA: The Core Active Ingredients
EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, is one of the main omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. It is commonly used in products positioned for cardiovascular wellness, lipid support, active lifestyle, and joint-support formulas.
DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is another key omega-3 fatty acid. It is widely used in brain health, eye health, maternal nutrition, children’s nutrition, and healthy aging supplements.
The EPA/DHA ratio affects the final product positioning:
| Formulation goal | Suitable fish oil type |
|---|---|
| General omega-3 supplement | Balanced EPA/DHA fish oil |
| Cardiovascular-positioned formula | EPA-rich fish oil |
| Brain, eye or maternal nutrition | DHA-rich fish oil |
| High-potency omega-3 softgel | Concentrated EPA DHA fish oil |
| Cost-effective daily softgel | Standard 1812 fish oil |
How to Read Fish Oil Product Codes
Fish oil product codes such as 1812EE, 1812TG, 3322EE and 3624EE combine three pieces of information: EPA percentage, DHA percentage and molecular form.
For example, 1812EE means:
- 18 = minimum 18% EPA
- 12 = minimum 12% DHA
- EE = ethyl ester form
| Product code | Meaning | Molecular form |
|---|---|---|
| 1812EE | EPA 18% + DHA 12% | Ethyl ester |
| 1812TG | EPA 18% + DHA 12% | Triglyceride |
| 3322EE | EPA 33% + DHA 22% | Ethyl ester |
| 3624EE | EPA 36% + DHA 24% | Ethyl ester |
The code does not always show the full total omega-3 content. Total omega-3 may include EPA, DHA, and other omega-3 fatty acids.
Popular Bulk Fish Oil Specifications
Provita Biotech offers balanced, EPA-rich and DHA-rich fish oil specifications in EE and TG/rTG forms. The product list includes 1812, 3020, 3322, 3624, 4020, 4030, 5020, 5025, 6015, 1040, 1050 and 1060 grades.
| Specification | EPA | DHA | Available form | Typical positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1812 | 18% | 12% | EE, TG/rTG | Standard omega-3 softgels |
| 3020 | 30% | 20% | EE, TG/rTG | Medium-concentration fish oil |
| 3322 | 33% | 22% | EE, TG/rTG | Concentrated EPA/DHA oil |
| 3624 | 36% | 24% | EE, TG/rTG | High-potency omega-3 oil |
| 4020 | 40% | 20% | EE, TG/rTG | EPA-rich formulas |
| 4030 | 40% | 30% | EE, TG/rTG | High EPA/DHA concentration |
| 5020 | 50% | 20% | EE, TG/rTG | High-EPA products |
| 5025 | 50% | 25% | EE, TG/rTG | Premium concentrated softgels |
| 6015 | 60% | 15% | EE, TG/rTG | Ultra EPA-rich formulas |
| 1040 | 10% | 40% | TG/rTG | DHA-rich formulas |
| 1050 | 10% | 50% | EE, TG/rTG | High-DHA nutrition |
| 1060 | 10% | 60% | EE, TG/rTG | Ultra DHA-rich products |
The main recommended grades for Provita’s bulk fish oil page are 1812EE, 1812TG, 3322EE and 3624EE.
EE Fish Oil Explained
EE fish oil means ethyl ester fish oil. It is widely used for concentrated omega-3 products because it allows flexible EPA/DHA ratios and high-potency formulations. EE fish oil is often selected for fish oil softgels, fish oil capsules and cost-effective high-strength omega-3 supplements.
Provita’s 1812EE specification contains EPA ≥18%, DHA ≥12% and total omega-3 ≥35%. The 3322EE grade contains EPA ≥33%, DHA ≥22% and total omega-3 ≥60%. The 3624EE grade contains EPA ≥36%, DHA ≥24% and total omega-3 ≥65%.
TG Fish Oil Explained
TG fish oil means triglyceride fish oil. In TG fish oil, fatty acids are present in triglyceride form. This form is often used for natural-form omega-3 positioning and premium fish oil supplements.
Provita’s 1812TG specification includes EPA ≥18%, DHA ≥12%, total omega-3 ≥35% and triglycerides ≥60%. This makes 1812TG suitable for brands that want a standard EPA DHA fish oil in triglyceride form.
rTG Fish Oil Explained
rTG fish oil means re-esterified triglyceride fish oil. It is produced by converting concentrated omega-3 fatty acids back into triglyceride form. This allows brands to combine higher EPA/DHA concentration with triglyceride-form positioning.
rTG fish oil is commonly selected for premium fish oil softgels, high-end omega-3 capsules and advanced formulas where the brand wants both concentration and TG-form positioning. Buyers should confirm whether the product is labeled as TG or rTG and review the COA for form-related parameters.
EE vs TG vs rTG Fish Oil
| Factor | EE Fish Oil | TG Fish Oil | rTG Fish Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ethyl ester | Triglyceride | Re-esterified triglyceride |
| Common use | Concentrated softgels | Standard and natural-form formulas | Premium concentrated formulas |
| EPA/DHA concentration | High concentrations available | Common in standard oils | High concentrations possible |
| Cost positioning | Usually more economical | Medium to premium | Usually premium |
| Best for | High EPA/DHA at competitive cost | Natural TG positioning | Premium omega-3 positioning |
There is no single best form for every product. The right choice depends on target EPA/DHA dosage, capsule size, daily serving design, product positioning, budget, bioavailability story and market requirements.
Total Omega-3 vs EPA + DHA Content
Bulk fish oil buyers should check both EPA + DHA and total omega-3. EPA + DHA tells you the two most important active fatty acids. Total omega-3 includes EPA, DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids.
| Grade | EPA + DHA | Total omega-3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1812EE | ≥30% combined EPA/DHA | ≥35% total omega-3 |
| 3322EE | ≥55% combined EPA/DHA | ≥60% total omega-3 |
| 3624EE | ≥60% combined EPA/DHA | ≥65% total omega-3 |
This is why buyers should not compare bulk fish oil based on a single number. A complete fish oil COA should show EPA, DHA, total omega-3, molecular form and test method.
Capsule Fill and Serving Size Calculation
Higher EPA/DHA concentration can reduce capsule fill weight or reduce the number of capsules per serving. For example, 1812 fish oil requires more oil to deliver the same EPA/DHA dose than 3322EE or 3624EE.
If a brand wants a high-strength omega-3 softgel, 3624EE may be more suitable than 1812EE because it provides higher EPA, DHA and total omega-3 per gram of oil. Buyers should calculate based on actual EPA and DHA per gram, not just by total oil weight.
Oxidation Values: Peroxide, Anisidine and TOTOX
Fish oil is sensitive to oxygen, heat and light. Oxidation affects odor, taste, color, freshness and shelf life. Bulk buyers should review peroxide value, anisidine value and TOTOX before confirming an order.
| Parameter | What it indicates |
|---|---|
| Peroxide value | Primary oxidation |
| Anisidine value | Secondary oxidation |
| TOTOX | Overall oxidation status |
| Acid value | Free fatty acids and refining quality |
| Moisture and volatiles | Stability and quality control |
Provita’s representative 1812EE, 3322EE and 3624EE specifications control peroxide value at max 3.5 meq/kg, anisidine value at max 17 and TOTOX at max 23.
Heavy Metals, PCBs, Dioxins, PAHs and Pesticide Testing
EPA and DHA concentration is only one part of a fish oil specification. International buyers should also review safety testing.
Important test items include arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, DDT, DDD, DDE, HCB, benzo(a)pyrene, PAH4, dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, total PCBs, residual solvents and microbiological limits. Provita’s COA files list external testing for heavy metals, pesticide residues, PAHs, dioxins, PCBs and related contaminants.
For importers and supplement brands, a batch-specific COA and third-party test report are more useful than a general “high purity” claim.
Sensory Quality: Color, Odor and Clarity
Sensory quality matters because fish oil odor affects finished softgels, capsules and liquid omega-3 supplements. A professional bulk fish oil ingredient should have a light yellow to pale yellow appearance, a slight characteristic odor, and controlled oxidation values.
Winterization, adsorption, decolorization and fine filtration help improve clarity, color and odor. Liquid omega-3 products usually require stricter sensory control than encapsulated products.
Fish Oil Manufacturing Process
Provita Biotech manufactures refined and concentrated fish oil through raw fish oil acceptance, alkali refining, de-acidification, esterification, distillation, winterization, concentration, further distillation, decolorization, adsorption, and fine filtration. Tocopherol can be added according to customer requirements. For TG/rTG products, the process also includes transesterification and additional adsorption before nitrogen-protected packaging.
This controlled process helps preserve EPA and DHA potency, reduce impurities and improve oil stability. For related processing technologies, buyers can also review Provita’s microencapsulation technology for oxidation-sensitive ingredients.
Packaging, MOQ, Shelf Life and Storage
Provita bulk fish oil is packed in 190 kg steel drums under nitrogen. Standard MOQ is generally 2 to 4 drums depending on the specification, with 1812 listed at 4 drums and most concentrated grades listed at 2 drums.
Typical storage guidance:
- Keep in original sealed packaging
- Store in a cool and dry place
- Avoid heat, oxygen, direct light and strong odors
- Minimize repeated drum opening
- Use first-in, first-out inventory control
- Apply nitrogen protection after opening if possible
The standard shelf life is 24 months under recommended storage conditions.
Fish Oil vs Algae Oil vs Krill Oil
| Ingredient | Source | Main positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Fish oil | Marine fish | Cost-effective EPA/DHA supply |
| Algae oil | Microalgae | Vegan DHA or vegan EPA/DHA option |
| Krill oil | Antarctic krill | Phospholipid-positioned omega-3 |
Fish oil is suitable for mainstream omega-3 softgels and bulk EPA/DHA supply. Algae oil is suitable for vegan omega-3 products. Krill oil is often used in premium phospholipid-positioned formulas. For more comparison, read Provita’s article on Krill Oil Softgels vs Fish Oil Softgels and the bulk krill oil softgels product page.
Application Guide by Specification
| Application | Recommended fish oil type |
|---|---|
| Standard fish oil softgels | 1812EE or 1812TG |
| High-strength omega-3 capsules | 3322EE or 3624EE |
| Premium TG/rTG softgels | TG/rTG concentrated grades |
| EPA-focused products | 4020, 5020, 6015 |
| DHA-focused products | 1040, 1050, 1060 |
| Private-label fish oil supplements | 1812EE, 1812TG, 3322EE, 3624EE |
| Liquid omega-3 products | Low-odor refined fish oil |
| Pet nutrition | Standard or customized EPA/DHA grades |
| Maternal and eye-health formulas | DHA-rich grades |
| Cardiovascular formulas | Balanced or EPA-rich grades |
Provita’s bulk products archive is useful for buyers comparing fish oil with other dietary supplement ingredients.
Documents Bulk Buyers Should Request
Before ordering bulk fish oil, ask the supplier for:
- Product specification
- Batch-specific COA
- SDS or MSDS
- Manufacturing flow chart
- Fish source statement
- Country of origin
- Allergen statement
- GMO statement
- BSE/TSE statement if required
- Residual solvent statement
- Heavy metal report
- Pesticide residue report
- PAH report
- Dioxin and PCB report
- Microbiological report
- Shelf-life statement
- Packaging specification
- IFOS, Friend of the Sea, GMP, Halal or Kosher certificates if applicable
- Third-party test report
What Affects Bulk Fish Oil Price?
Bulk fish oil price depends on technical and commercial factors, including EPA/DHA concentration, total omega-3 content, EE/TG/rTG form, source fish, sustainability requirements, oxidation targets, third-party testing, certificates, order quantity, MOQ, packaging, freight cost and stock location.
Buyers should compare price per kg of EPA/DHA delivered, not only price per kg of oil. A cheaper oil with lower EPA/DHA concentration may not reduce the final cost per serving.
Regulatory, Allergen and Labeling Considerations
Fish oil is a fish-derived ingredient, so finished-product labeling must consider fish allergen rules in the destination market. Ingredient names, EPA/DHA claims, daily dosage, health claims and import documents may differ across the USA, EU, Australia, Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The supplier can provide ingredient documents, but the brand owner or finished-product manufacturer should confirm final label and claim compliance with its regulatory team.
OEM Fish Oil Softgels and Private Label Omega-3 Manufacturing
Provita supports both bulk oil supply and the development of finished omega-3 supplements. OEM services may include fish oil softgels, fish oil capsules, fish oil pills, Bulk Fish Oil Liquid, private label omega-3 contract manufacturing, customized EPA/DHA dosage, EE/TG/rTG selection, softgel size, fill weight, bottle packaging, label design and export documentation.
Liquid fish oil is usually best suited for softgels and liquid supplements. Compressed oil fish tablets usually require microencapsulated fish oil powder rather than liquid oil.
How to Choose a Reliable Bulk Fish Oil Supplier
A reliable fish oil supplier should offer complete EPA/DHA specifications, EE/TG/rTG options, batch-specific COA, third-party testing, low oxidation values, heavy metal and contaminant reports, international certificates, nitrogen-protected packaging, stable MOQ, export experience and OEM capability.
The supplier should also communicate clearly about source, documentation, lead time, sample availability and destination-market support.
Why Choose Provita Biotech as Your Bulk Fish Oil Supplier in China?
Provita Biotech Co., Ltd. is a leading bulk fish oil supplier in China, exporting 600 tons of bulk fish oil ingredients annually for supplement brands, distributors, importers and OEM customers. Provita supplies multiple EPA/DHA specifications in EE, TG and rTG forms, including 1812EE, 1812TG, 3322EE and 3624EE.
Key advantages include:
- Multiple balanced, EPA-rich and DHA-rich specifications
- 190 kg steel drums under nitrogen
- Strict oxidation control
- Batch-specific COA
- Third-party testing support
- GMP quality system
- Friend of the Sea, IFOS and FDA registration support for applicable products
- Selected inventory in Europe and the USA
- OEM fish oil softgels and private-label omega-3 manufacturing
From standard 1812EE and 1812TG to concentrated 3322EE and 3624EE, Provita supports bulk ingredient purchasing, fish oil supplement development and global omega-3 supply.
Conclusion
Bulk fish oil sourcing should start with specification matching, not only price comparison. Buyers should define the target EPA/DHA ratio, total omega-3 requirement, EE/TG/rTG form, capsule fill weight, oxidation target, documentation needs, packaging, MOQ and destination-market requirements before requesting a quote.
Contact Provita Biotech to request the latest bulk fish oil specifications, COA, sample availability and price quotation for 1812EE, 1812TG, 3322EE, 3624EE and customized omega-3 fish oil grades.
