In order 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). 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.
There is no government fees for obtaining an NPN, and they do not expire.
A multiple-page information document must be completed containing the following information:
A proposed label (regulatory text, not artwork) is required.
A Finished Product Specification sheet is submitted, showing the required tests (potency, micro, heavy metals, etc), limits and test methods.
Literature is required to be submitted to support the efficacy of all claims, and the safety of the product as a whole, when taken according to the directions of use.
We use an extremely sophisticated electronic creation system to complete licence applications. This provides a more streamlined submission process, improves document and data management, and decreases the amount of time needed to produce an application by 35 to 50 percent.
This process significantly reduces the costs involved in completing a successful application.
