Service Standard for the Issuance of a New Dealer's Licence for Controlled Substances

Disclaimer: Information on this webpage is provided for illustrative purposes only. The Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, Narcotic Control Regulations, 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 in accordance with the applicable Applications Management Policy (AMP) 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 new dealer's licence.

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 – including possession, trafficking, importation, exportation and production – except as authorized by regulation. The Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, Narcotic Control Regulations, 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 controlled substances licence before conducting certain activities. The licence authorizes the person to conduct the activities specified by the licence.

Service Standard:

The OCS commits to a service delivery standard, as per the applicable AMP, of 270 calendar days from the receipt of a complete application for issuing a decision on an application for a new dealer’s licence for controlled substances (licence issued/licence refused).

Performance Target:

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

Performance result for fiscal year 2019 to 2020:

The OCS processed 94% 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 Substances 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: