Service Standard for Issuance of a Test Kit Registration Number for Controlled Substances

Disclaimer: Information on this webpage is provided for illustrative purposes only. The Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, Narcotic Control Regulations, and Parts G and J of the Food and Drug Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act should be relied upon for specific requirements, including if there are discrepancies between this page and the regulations.

Service Description:

Health Canada posts service standards and performance information for services with over 100 regulatory authorizations, such as permits or licences, issued each year (high-volume regulatory transactions).

This service is a high-volume regulatory transaction used by applicants seeking to obtain a test kit registration number for controlled substances.

The diversion of controlled substances and precursor chemicals frequently used in the production of illegal drugs is a worldwide problem that requires a global solution. Health Canada is an active team player in the fight to control the illegal use of these controlled substances and precursor chemicals.

The Office of Controlled Substances (OCS) works in collaboration with Canadian and international stakeholders in the public and private sectors to ensure that controlled substances and precursor chemicals are handled effectively and remain in legal distribution channels, and that there is no interference with valid commercial, medical and scientific activities.

The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) prohibits certain activities with controlled substances and precursor chemicals – including possession, trafficking, importation, exportation, sale and production – except as authorized by regulation. The Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, Narcotic Control Regulations, and Parts G and J of the Food and Drug Regulations are regulations under the CDSA, which set out detailed requirements for persons involved in carrying out activities with controlled substances, including the requirement to obtain a test kit registration number for controlled substances before conducting certain activities.

Service Standard:

The OCS commits to a service delivery standard of 45 calendar days for the issuance of a decision on an application for a test kit registration number for controlled substances, from the receipt of a complete application.

Performance Target:

The target for achieving this standard is set at 90%.

Performance result for fiscal year 2018 to 2019:

The OCS processed 91% of applications within its service standard.

Departmental Contact:

Please contact the OCS to make any general enquiries or comments, or to receive application forms and additional guidance. Note that at any time, regulations supersede the guidance documents.

Controlled Drugs Section
Office of Controlled Substances
Controlled Substance Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
AL 0300B
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Email: hc.cds-sdc.sc@canada.ca

Page details

Date modified: