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Overview of the Prescription Drug List Change  On July 21, 2025, Health Canada implemented a regulatory amendment that exempts certain nicotine tablets from the human-use section of the Prescription Drug List (PDL). This change applies specifically to orally disintegrating and sublingual nicotine tablets that contain no more than 4 milligrams...

Canada’s growing wellness market presents a strong opportunity for companies looking to expand their product offerings, especially in the natural health space. But before launching any Natural Health Product (NHP), businesses must navigate Canada’s robust regulatory framework. Understanding the basics of NHP compliance is key to accessing the Canadian market,...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a major regulatory update, revoking or proposing to revoke 52 existing food Standards of Identity (SOIs) following a comprehensive internal review. This decision represents a significant shift toward modernizing food regulation in the U.S. and is expected to impact both U.S....

Health Canada’s Food and Nutrition Directorate has recently published an interim report on sodium reduction efforts in processed foods. While certain product categories have demonstrated progress, others have experienced an increase in sodium content. Excessive sodium intake remains a leading dietary risk factor in Canada, contributing to elevated blood pressure,...

The licensing pathway for contraceptive products in Canada can be complex, particularly for manufacturers and importers aiming to introduce new products or expand existing lines. One of the main challenges is the lack of clear, consolidated guidance that explains how different types of contraceptives are regulated under Canadian law. Hormonal...

Canada is taking proactive steps to prevent disruptions in access to foods for special dietary purposes (FSDP) with a new proposal from Health Canada. On June 30, 2025, the department published an updated Notice of Intent outlining a proposed Ministerial class exemption order aimed at mitigating shortages and maintaining access...

The process of bringing contraceptive medical devices to the Canadian market involves navigating a clearly defined but often complex regulatory framework. Products such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), diaphragms, condoms, and contraceptive sponges are considered medical devices and are regulated by Health Canada under the Medical Devices Regulations. This overview outlines...

When your Canadian importer changes, it’s not just a back-end operational update, it also triggers a regulatory obligation to update your product labels. Canadian food labelling regulations are designed to maintain transparency, traceability, and accountability across the supply chain. While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) offers flexibility during transitional...

On June 27, 2025, Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) will release eight new monographs and revise three existing ones. These updates are part of Health Canada’s continued efforts to maintain regulatory guidance that is accurate, up to date, and reflective of current evidence and product trends. ...

For food brands entering the Canadian market, success hinges on more than taste and presentation, it depends on regulatory compliance, especially when it comes to product labels. Whether you’re a startup launching your first SKU or a multinational expanding your line, your product label is one of the most scrutinized...

In today’s increasingly competitive and informed health and wellness marketplace, scientific validation is no longer optional - it is a critical component of building consumer trust, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring long-term product success. As consumers become more educated and discerning about the health products they use, they demand proof...

Veterinary Health Products (VHPs) are low-risk substances intended to maintain or promote animal health. In Canada, VHPs include vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and homeopathic preparations used for both companion and food-producing animals. As interest in natural health products grows, so too does the demand for a transparent regulatory framework. This article...

Introduced Expansion On June 9, 2025, Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) officially expanded its Workload Management Approach to include Class II natural health product (NHP) applications. This update changes how certain submissions will be reviewed based on urgency and commercial readiness. Specifically, the NNHPD is now...

Quality assurance (QA) plays a central role in the safety and credibility of natural health products (NHPs) in Canada. Manufacturers are required to meet high standards set by Health Canada to ensure their products are safe, effective, and made with consistent quality before they reach the consumer.  Canada’s regulatory framework...

Expanding into the Canadian food and natural health product market presents a unique set of regulatory challenges. From bilingual packaging requirements to specific nutrition facts and allergen declarations, manufacturers often face barriers that can delay product launches and increase operational costs. One practical and cost-effective solution to this issue is...

In the Canadian natural health product (NHP) industry, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are not only a regulatory requirement but also a fundamental part of ensuring consumer safety, product quality, and trust. At the heart of GMP compliance is the Quality Assurance Person for NHPs (QAP). This individual is critical in...

Health Canada has released a Notice to Stakeholders outlining proposed updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. This notice serves as a heads-up for cosmetics manufacturers, importers, and formulators to review upcoming regulatory considerations and begin preparing for potential product reformulations. Overview: What is the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist? The Cosmetic Ingredient...

Canada's front-of-package (FOP) labelling requirements are designed to help consumers make healthier food choices by requiring certain prepackaged foods high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium to carry a nutrition symbol. However, not all products are treated the same under these regulations. Many foods are either fully exempt or conditionally...

When most people think about prescription drugs, they may not consider the regulatory framework that determines which medicines are available only by prescription. But in Canada, this distinction is critically important and tightly governed by Health Canada through its Prescription Drug List (PDL).  In a recent regulatory update published on...

Sunscreen is more than a summertime staple; it's a frontline defence against premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. As consumer awareness around sun protection continues to grow, so does the demand for innovative, high-quality sunscreen products. But behind every tube on a drugstore shelf lies a rigorous regulatory journey. In...