Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate
The Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate is the Canadian regulating authority for:
- natural health products
- non-prescription drugs
- biocides
On this page
What we do
We authorize natural health products, non-prescription drugs and biocides for sale in Canada and ensure that Canadians have ready access to a wide range of products for which safety, efficacy and quality standards are in place.
Natural Health Products
Natural health products (NHPs) are naturally occurring substances or their synthetic duplicates that are used to restore or maintain good health. They are often made from plants, but can also be made from animals, microorganisms and marine sources. They come in a wide variety of dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, tinctures, solutions, creams, ointments and drops.
Examples include:
- vitamins and minerals
- herbal remedies
- homeopathic medicines
- traditional medicines such as Traditional Chinese Medicines
- probiotics
- other products, such as amino acids and essential fatty acids
Non-prescription Drugs
Non-prescription drugs (NPDs) are pharmaceutical drug products that are available to consumers without a prescription from a healthcare professional. In Canada, they are generally available to consumers at pharmacies or stores but could also require the assistance of a pharmacist.
Examples include:
- over-the-counter drugs: analgesics, cough and cold remedies, antacids, laxatives
- behind-the-counter drugs: emergency birth control drugs, certain heartburn drugs
Biocides
Biocides are drugs that are used to destroy or inactivate micro-organisms or reduce or control their number on a non-living and non-liquid surface. They help to prevent micro-organisms from spreading and reduce health risks. In other words, biocides are surface disinfectants and sanitizers. Biocides come in formats that can be ready to use or that require mixing with water first.
Examples include disinfectants and sanitizers for use in:
- health care facilities (such as in patient care areas and on non-invasive medical equipment)
- food premises (such as on countertops and cutting boards)
- animal housing areas (such as in veterinary clinics and poultry plants)
- institutional settings (such as in daycares, schools and office buildings)
- household areas (such as toilet bowl disinfectants)
Office and bureaus
The directorate comprises one office and five bureaus:
- Director General's Office
- Bureau of Licensing Services and Systems
- Bureau of Product Review and Assessment
- Bureau of Strategic Planning and Business Services
- Bureau of Program Policy, Risk Management and Stakeholder Engagement
- Bureau of Business Systems Modernization
Bureau of Licensing Services and Systems
The Bureau of Licensing Services and Systems manages submissions for natural health products, including:
- processing, screening, and authorization of product licences
- processing and issuing authorizations for clinical trials
- conducting pre-submission meetings with stakeholders
- providing client support for submissions
Bureau of Product Review and Assessment
The Bureau of Product Review and Assessment is responsible for reviewing and approving natural health products, non-prescription drugs and biocides for:
- safety and efficacy
- product labelling
- product quality (chemistry & manufacturing)
- clinical trials applications for natural health products
Bureau of Strategic Planning and Business Services
The Bureau of Strategic Planning and Business Services is responsible for:
- correspondence
- coordination of planning
- program evaluation and performance measurement
- procurement and finance
- administration services
Bureau of Program Policy, Risk Management and Stakeholder Engagement
The Bureau of Program Policy, Risk Management and Stakeholder Engagement is responsible for:
- developing and updating regulations, policies and guidance on natural health products, non-prescription drugs and biocides
- supporting actions in response to identified product risks
- establishing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders
Bureau of Business Systems Modernization
The Bureau of Business Systems Modernization is responsible for:
- enhancing and upgrading IT systems
- maintaining system stability
- providing systems technical support and training
- managing performance and reporting metrics
For more information
General Information
- Drug Products: Services and information
- What's New for Natural Health Products and Non-prescription Drugs
- Report a Side Effect (Adverse Reaction)
Natural Health Products Information
- Natural Health Products
- Electronic tools for natural health product licence applications
- Licensed Natural Health Products Database
- Natural Health Product Licensing Bulletin
- Natural Health Product Site Licence Applications
- List of Natural Health Product Site Licence Holders
- Natural Health Products Management of Applications Policy - Canada.ca
Non-prescription Drugs Information
Biocides Information
- Biocides
- Biocide application form
- Biocides Ingredients Database
- Biocide monograph
- Biocides Regulations
- Guidance for industry on biocides
Contact us
General Enquiries
General Enquiries
Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
2 Constellation Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
E-mail: nnhpd-dpsnso@hc-sc.gc.ca