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.

Updates to Natural Health Products Ingredients Database

NEWS

Updates to Natural Health Products Ingredients Database

Linda Beach

January 16, 2022

Revisions as of December 24, 2021

The updates provided in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) link below apply to the most recent versions of the web-based Product License Application – web_PLA form .

Here is the link to the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database .

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.