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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Health Canada Melatonin Update: Pediatric Use to Become Prescription-Only 

Health Canada Melatonin Update: Pediatric Use to Become Prescription-Only 

Health Canada has announced an amendment to the human use section of the Prescription Drug List for “melatonin or its salts.” Effective June 2, 2026, melatonin products sold for sleep-related use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age will be classified as prescription drugs under the Food and Drug…
Read More
Health Canada’s New NHP Labelling Proposal Update: What Stakeholder Should Know

Health Canada’s New NHP Labelling Proposal Update: What Stakeholder Should Know

Health Canada’s Updated NHP Labelling Proposal: What Industry Should Know About Flexibility, Digital Labelling, and the New Transition Timeline  In the recent Natural Health Product Licensing Bulletin No. 10, published on May 11, 2026, Health Canada has confirmed that the current compliance date for the 2022 amendments to the natural health product (NHP) labelling requirements remains June 21, 2028.…
Read More
How to Bring Your Creatine Products to Canada Faster

How to Bring Your Creatine Products to Canada Faster

Creatine has become a popular household staple around the world, widely recognized for its role in supporting athletic performance and lean muscle development. Increased consumer demand for creatine has driven significant innovation, leading brands to incorporate creatine into a growing range of product formats, including beverages, gummies, bars, and even dairy alternatives. Wherever…
Read More
March 2026: Health Canada Updates 11 NHP Monographs 

March 2026: Health Canada Updates 11 NHP Monographs 

Health Canada has published 11 updated natural health product (NHP) monographs effective March 27, 2026, continuing its modernization of the monograph framework under the Natural Health Products Regulations.  The latest publication includes updates to the monographs for cayenne (oral), cayenne (topical), cranberry, dried cranberry juice, devil’s claw, European pennyroyal, horseradish, Roman chamomile, stinging nettle,…
Read More
Cosmetics vs. Natural Health Products (NHPs): How to Classify Your Product in Canada

Cosmetics vs. Natural Health Products (NHPs): How to Classify Your Product in Canada

Product classification is a critical determinant of regulatory strategy and market access in Canada. Whether a product is regulated as a cosmetic or a Natural Health Product (NHP) defines the applicable requirements under the Food and Drugs Act, including pre-market obligations, evidentiary expectations, labelling standards, and permissible claims.  For many product…
Read More
Webinar Recap: Health Canada GMP (GUI-0158 v4.0) Update for NHPs

Webinar Recap: Health Canada GMP (GUI-0158 v4.0) Update for NHPs

In our recent webinar, our team provided a detailed overview of Health Canada’s updated Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guide for Natural Health Products (GUI-0158 v4.0) and the practical implications for companies operating in the Canadian market. The session focused on how the revised guidance reshapes expectations for quality systems, importer accountability, and end-to-end supply chain…
Read More
Nicotine Buccal Pouches in Canada: Health Canada’s Amendment Clarifies Prescription vs. Non Prescription Status

Nicotine Buccal Pouches in Canada: Health Canada’s Amendment Clarifies Prescription vs. Non Prescription Status

Health Canada has officially updated the Prescription Drug List to clarify the non prescription status of nicotine buccal pouches containing 4 milligrams of nicotine or less per dosage unit. This change provides long awaited clarity for manufacturers, importers, and retailers entering the rapidly growing nicotine pouch category. The amendment, effective…
Read More
2025 GMP Overhaul for Natural Health Products (NHPs): What It Means for Canadian Importers and Site Licence Holders

2025 GMP Overhaul for Natural Health Products (NHPs): What It Means for Canadian Importers and Site Licence Holders

When Health Canada released Version 4.0 of the Good manufacturing practices guide for natural health products (GUI-0158) on September 4, 2025, it marked the first major revision of good manufacturing practices (GMP) expectations in a decade. The new guide, which will become enforceable on March 4, 2026, following a six-month…
Read More