Blog

Are you planning to enter the Canadian market with a chemical product? It’s essential to know if your product requires a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Many assume all chemical products need one or that a U.S. SDS can be translated for Canada, but the requirements are more complex. Understand the...

Health Canada is set to transform the market for low-risk non-prescription drugs with a new streamlined authorization pathway. This initiative aims to simplify the approval process for products like sunscreens and acne treatments, enabling them to bypass extensive "new drug" requirements. Learn more.

Watch this on-demand webinar for a practical overview of the organic certification process in Canada, including applicable standards, Organic System Plan requirements, inspections, corrective actions, annual renewal, traceability, organic claims, and considerations for processors, importers, exporters, and brand owners.

Obtaining a Natural Product Number (NPN) in Canada typically takes approximately 60 calendar days for Class I applications, 90 calendar days for Class II applications, and 270 or more calendar days for Class III applications. Due to current review backlogs, companies submitting Class III applications should plan for timelines closer...

CFIA’s guidance explains how plant-based egg alternatives should be labelled and advertised in Canada to avoid misleading consumers. It focuses on clear common names, accurate claims, imagery, packaging, advertising, and the overall impression created by the product. With compliance expected by January 1, 2030, companies should review labels and marketing...

Health Canada is reducing human drug submission backlogs through workload management reforms, increased international reliance, expanded resources, and improved sponsor communication.

On June 23, 2026, Health Canada discussed key trends in DEL GMP inspections at the PSG’s event. With over 900 licensed drug establishments in Canada, compliance is essential for manufacturers and distributors. Topics included quality systems and common inspection findings. Read more.

Health Canada discussed upcoming priorities for Natural Health Product regulation, including risk-based oversight, submission modernization, and labelling flexibility. Here's what industry should know.

In Canada, Veterinary Health Product (VHP) claims must be supported by objective and credible evidence aligned with the product’s ingredients, conditions of use, and intended purpose. Claims should focus on maintaining or promoting animal health and must not represent the product as treating, diagnosing, mitigating, preventing, or curing disease. Introduction...

Health Canada has announced an update regarding finished product specifications (FPS) for natural health product (NHP) applications. Starting June 15, 2026, applicants for Class II and III NHP product licences will not need to submit FPS upfront. This change streamlines the process, reducing administrative burdens while maintaining quality standards.

To sell a natural health product (NHP) in Canada, companies must consider both product licensing and site licensing requirements. A product licence authorizes the sale of a specific NHP, while a site licence is required for the Canadian physical site where NHPs are manufactured, packaged, labelled, or imported for sale.  Obtaining these licences requires...

Food labels in Canada are regulated consumer-facing materials that carry both technical and commercial weight. They must accurately communicate the identity of the product, its composition, the responsible party, applicable use or storage information, and any claims or representations made to consumers.  For food brands, importers, distributors, and retailers, a...

Effective June 2, 2026, Health Canada will classify melatonin products sold for sleep-related use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age as prescription drugs under the Food and Drug Regulations. Adult-use melatonin natural health products (NHPs) are not affected, provided they remain authorized and positioned for adult use...

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...

Energy drinks are rapidly gaining popularity in Canada, but navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex. This guide outlines the classification of energy drinks as supplemented foods and highlights key compliance requirements such as caffeine limits and labelling mandates. For brands looking to launch or import energy drinks, understanding regulations...

Health Canada is planning a more flexible approach to NHP labelling in Canada, with draft amendments to the Natural Health Products Regulations expected in spring 2027. This article explains what the updated proposal may mean for Product Facts Table flexibility, digital labelling, medicinal ingredient presentation, small package guidance, and the...

A comprehensive overview of U.S. pet food regulations, including FDA oversight, ingredient compliance, labelling requirements, and state-level considerations for market entry. 

Planning to launch gummy NHPs in Canada? This guide explains why stability data is required and how to support shelf life and GMP compliance.

Health Canada has reclassified sports electrolyte products as foods, with a transition deadline of December 31, 2027. Companies must align with the Food and Drug Regulations, including supplemented food requirements, to remain compliant.

The Canadian natural health product (NHP) industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of new Plain Language Labelling (PLL) Regulations. These updated guidelines, published by Health Canada in 2022, aim to enhance transparency, standardization, and accessibility in NHP labelling. By replacing the previous 2006 regulations, the PLL framework...