What products require an NHP license application in Canada?

Any product making a health claim — including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, or probiotics — requires a product license application before it can be sold in Canada.

How long does NHP licensing take in Canada?

Timelines vary by product class, but a well-prepared application with complete documentation moves through Health Canada's review significantly faster than one with missing information.

What happens if an NHP application is missing documentation?

Health Canada pauses the review entirely until the missing information is provided, which can add months to the approval timeline.

Can international manufacturers apply for a Canadian NPN?

Yes. A Canadian importer is typically required to meet post-market obligations, and CNHPR supports international clients throughout the full NPN application process.

What is included in a complete NPN application in Canada?

A complete NPN application includes product details, ingredient declarations, an evidence package, GMP documentation, and a compliant bilingual label.

Does each product need its own license application?

Yes, each distinct product requires its own separate product license application, though multi-product portfolios can be managed together efficiently.

What evidence does Health Canada accept for NHP claims?

Health Canada accepts peer-reviewed studies, pharmacopeia references, and documented traditional use as evidence, with the required standard varying by product class.

Does CNHPR support post-licensing compliance?

Yes, CNHPR assists with license renewals, formula changes, label updates, and ongoing natural health product compliance after the initial license is issued.

NNHPD Interim Measures Update

NEWS

NNHPD Interim Measures Update

Linda Beach

October 2, 2020

Regarding Product and Site Licensing for Hand-Sanitizers

The temporary exemptions for the importation of hand sanitizers, which was announced March 27, 2020, as part of the NNHPD’s interim measures have now ended as of July 13, 2020.

Interim License Holders

Site Licenses

Companies that have a COVID SL may continue selling their hand sanitizer products, however, these COVID SL’s will expire 60 days from a currently undetermined due date in the future by Health Canada. Should license holders wish to maintain selling their product they are encouraged to switch to a regular Site License as soon as possible. Contact us to get your permanent licenses in place before the deadline.

Product Licenses

No change is required for product license holders. Your NPN will not require any further changes. Manufacturing sites that also package, label, or import hand sanitizers must be listed on the Product License Application.

Linda Beach

Linda Beach is the founder, sole owner, and Director of Canadian Natural Health Product Registry (CNHPR), operating under Medical Botany Research. Based on Canada’s west coast, Linda has been providing regulatory consulting and compliance expertise to Canadian and international companies since 2004, when Canada’s Natural Health Products Regulations first came into effect.

A Certified Herbalist with a degree in Botany and Medical Research, Linda also holds certifications in several natural and complementary healing modalities. This combination of scientific training and hands-on herbal expertise gives her a unique perspective on the products she helps bring to market — from vitamins and herbal remedies to nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and sports supplements.

Over her two decades working directly with Health Canada, Linda has built strong working relationships with regulators that have translated into consistent success in securing Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) for her clients. Her advocacy work has had industry-wide impact — including playing a key role in Health Canada’s decision to reinstate hempseed oil to its approved ingredient database after it had been removed, restoring a path to market for products containing the ingredient.

Through CNHPR, Linda guides clients through every stage of the licensing process: developing a tailored regulatory strategy, compiling required documentation, and managing submissions from signing through to Health Canada approval.