Industry Insights: CHFA’s Regulatory Reform, Trade Pressures, and the Future of Natural Health Products (NHPs) in Canada

Industry Insights: CHFA’s Regulatory Reform, Trade Pressures, and the Future of Natural Health Products (NHPs) in Canada

Canada's natural health product (NHP) industry is facing a period of regulatory and commercial change. From proposed amendments to the Natural Health Products Regulations to evolving trade relations and emerging marketing trends, businesses must navigate developments that could influence compliance costs, market access, and long-term competitiveness.  On September 25, 2026,…
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Brand Refreshes for Regulated Products: How to Rebrand Without Triggering Regulatory Re-Review

Brand Refreshes for Regulated Products: How to Rebrand Without Triggering Regulatory Re-Review

From a commercial perspective, rebranding a regulated product can appear straightforward. A company may want to modernize its packaging, introduce a new visual identity, update a product name, or refresh how it positions the product for consumers. However, proposed changes can have regulatory implications in Canada when they affect information…
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How are Protein Powders Regulated in Canada?

How are Protein Powders Regulated in Canada?

Protein powders sold in Canada may be regulated as conventional foods, supplemented foods, or natural health products (NHPs). The correct pathway depends on the finished product’s composition, representation, format, and history of use. It cannot be determined from the presence of protein or the powdered format alone.  Classification is the starting point for…
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Health Canada Introduces Interim Policy for Unenriched White Flour in Certain Foods

Health Canada Introduces Interim Policy for Unenriched White Flour in Certain Foods

Health Canada has introduced an interim policy that provides targeted flexibility for the import and sale of unenriched white flour used in the manufacture of certain foods. Published on August 31, 2026, the policy is intended to reduce regulatory burden in situations where white flour is used in relatively small…
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How Are Prebiotic Beverages Regulated in Canada?

How Are Prebiotic Beverages Regulated in Canada?

Prebiotic products are becoming a familiar part of the Canadian market, appearing in everything from sparkling beverages and functional waters to powders, gummies, and capsules. Many contain ingredients such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), resistant dextrin, and other fermentable or non-digestible carbohydrates. As these products become more varied, the regulatory pathway can become less obvious. For…
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Canada Updates Caffeinated Beverage Rules

Canada Updates Caffeinated Beverage Rules

Health Canada has modified the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients to allow certain caffeinated supplemented beverages to contain up to 30% fruit and/or vegetable juice, purée, pulp or nectar.   The change took effect on August 13, 2026, and expands formulation flexibility for eligible beverage manufacturers. However, restrictions on how these products may be represented and labelled remain in place. …
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Health Canada Updates Natural Health Product (NHP) Labelling Terms

Health Canada Updates Natural Health Product (NHP) Labelling Terms

Health Canada has expanded the labelling flexibility available to natural health products (NHPs) and certain non-prescription drugs through an updated List of Interchangeable Terms.  Announced in Natural Health Product Licensing Bulletin No. 12 on August 20, 2026, the update allows companies to use clearer or more consumer-friendly language without necessarily changing the meaning…
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Health Canada Updates Food Fortification Policy: What Changed in August 2026

Health Canada Updates Food Fortification Policy: What Changed in August 2026

Policy revised August 2026 On August 20, 2026, Health Canada has revised its Interim Policy on the Use of Expired Interim Marketing Authorizations Related to Food Fortification, introducing two changes that may affect the formulation and Canadian market strategy of certain fortified foods. The August 2026 update: extends the existing corn meal fortification framework to corn masa…
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SNI Presentation: Selling Red-Light Therapy Devices in Canada

SNI Presentation: Selling Red-Light Therapy Devices in Canada

Red-light therapy devices have become increasingly popular across the beauty, wellness, and dermatology markets. From LED face masks to handheld light therapy tools, these products are often positioned as non-invasive solutions for skin appearance, acne-prone skin, inflammation, and signs of aging.However, in Canada, the way a red-light therapy device is…
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Natural Product Number (NPN) in Canada?  

How Long Does It Take to Get a Natural Product Number (NPN) in Canada?  

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…
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