General Regulations

18 Mar 2026

Entering the Canadian Market: Understanding the Roles of Brand Managers, Brokers, and Distributors

General Regulationsbrand manager vs broker vs distributor, Canada market entry, Canadian retail distribution, how to sell products in Canada

For European and international brands, entering the Canadian market often presents a significant and unexpected barrier driven by uncertainty. It is not necessarily the product or its potential that limits progress, but rather a lack of understanding of how the Canadian system operates. In many European markets, manufacturers can approach retailers…

22 Jan 2026

Health Canada vs. FDA: Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance

General RegulationsFDA, FDA vs Health Canada Regulations, health canada, regulatory frameworks

Regulatory compliance in Canada requires adherence to federal, provincial, and, in some cases, municipal legislation governing the safety, quality, and labelling of products placed on the Canadian market. Health Canada administers the regulation of a broad range of products primarily under the Food and Drugs Act and its associated Food and Drug Regulations.…

06 May 2025

Health Canada’s April 2025 Update: Electronic Filing Requirements for Drug Product Submissions

General Regulations

As part of its continued digital modernization, Health Canada has reaffirmed the requirement that drug product submissions be filed electronically, using either the Electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD) format or the non-eCTD format. The appropriate format depends on the type of regulatory activity and the product category. Health Canada’s April…

14 Apr 2025

Guidelines for the Use of Maple Leaf and Canadian Flag on Products – Industry Insights

General RegulationsCanada's Coat of Arms, Canadian Flag, Made in Canada, Maple Leaf, Product Labelling, Product of Canada

In Canada, the maple leaf and the Canadian flag are more than just symbols—they're the essence of what it means to be Canadian. From evoking national pride to representing our values, these emblems carry immense weight. But, as with anything valuable, they come with a set of rules. If you're…

07 Apr 2025

“Product of Canada” vs. “Made in Canada” Differences and Conditions of Use

General Regulationscanadian regulations, Country of Origin Labelling, Made in Canada, Product of Canada

"Product of Canada" vs. "Made in Canada" Differences and Conditions of Use Product labelling in Canada requires a careful approach, as many claims that appear on products are subject to regulations and must meet specific requirements to ensure compliance. While some companies may see these requirements as additional hurdles, regulating…

15 Feb 2024

Food Import Compliance – Licensing and Registration

Food and Beverage, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations and Updates, General Regulations, International Trade, Market Entry Support, U.S. Food Regulationscanada and US border, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), CFIA, classifications, food compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), importing foods, Licensing and registration, regulations, Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA), Safe Food for Canadians licence (SFC licence)

Importing food products into Canada and the United States can come with its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to compliance with regulations. Both countries have stringent standards in place to ensure the safety and quality of food products entering into their markets. Businesses that are food importers must…

11 Jan 2024

5 Dietary Supplement Violations and How to Avoid Them

Canadian Food Regulations, Food and Beverage, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations and Updates, General RegulationsBatch Production Records, Consumer health risk, Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, dietary supplements, DSHEA, False advertising, FDA, FDA warning letters, GMP, Good Manufacturing Practices, The Food and Drug Administration, US dietary supplements

With a projected U.S. market size of over $300 billion by 2030, the dietary supplement category has never presented more opportunities for brand success. In a health-conscious society, dietary supplements can play a significant role in supporting individuals' well-being, but the growing popularity of these supplements has brought attention to the…

11 Dec 2023

Don’t be Caught on the NAUGHTY LIST

Canadian Food Regulations, Food and Beverage, General Regulations, Market Entry SupportAllergens, CFIA, Food Allergies, food compliance, Food Labeling, Food producers, health canada

When it comes to Food Labelling compliance, it's essential to wrap up your labels with care, ensuring they're on the nice list and avoiding any risk of your product getting "sleighed" from store shelves. The food label is an important consumer tool used to provide key information on the product…