Natural Health Product Licensing in Canada

NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCT LICENSING

To sell natural health products in Canada, companies must obtain a product license called a Natural Product Number (NPN). To obtain this NPN, detailed information must be provided to, and assessed by the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Product Directorate (NNHPD) of Health Canada.

Once NNHPD has determined that the product is safe, effective, and of high quality, an eight-digit NPN or DIN-HM (Homeopathic Medicine Number) will be granted. This number must appear on the front panel of your label.

Obtaining a Natural Product License

We want to expedite this process for you and limit your time investment—we follow a simple six-step system that keeps us moving forward and you informed of the progression of your applications.

GET STARTED NOW

Natural Health Product Licensing FAQ

What is required to sell a Natural Health Product (NHP) in Canada?

All NHPs sold in Canada must adhere to the Canadian Natural Health Product Regulations (NHPR) - a subsection of the food and drugs act.

All NHP must be first approved for sale in Canada by the Natural and Non-prescription Drug Health Product Directorate (NNHPD).

When a product has been successfully reviewed and approved by the NNHPD it receives an 8-digit Natural Product Number (NPN). All NHPs must have an NPN to be sold in Canada including online sales for Canadian websites and companies (i.e. amazon.ca).

How long will it take for the NNHPD-Health Canada to review my NPN application?

NPN approval timelines by the NNHPD are based upon a 3-tier risk classification system:

Class I - 60-day review period (approx.)
Class II - 90-day review period (approx.)
Class III - 210-day review period (approx.)

How do I know which classification my product belongs to?

Classification is based upon the NNHPID compendium of monographs. NPN submissions can attest to one or more ingredient monographs as a part of the application process. Classification of products based on formulations are as follows:

Class I - Product attests to a single ingredient monograph
Class II - Product attests to multiple ingredient monographs
Class III - One or more ingredients cannot attest a Health Canada monograph. Supplemental safety and efficacy data required.

Solutions