Donor semen

The Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations (Semen Regulations) require the following notifications to Health Canada:

• from importers and processors, at least 10 days before they start importing or processing activities in Canada
• if the processor is conducting an investigation into a suspected contamination of the semen by an infectious agent, within 3 days of the start of that investigation

In Canada, donor semen for assisted conception is classified as a drug. It is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and the Semen Regulations.

The aim of the Semen Regulations is to prevent the spread of infectious disease to people who receive donor semen and to their offspring.

On this page

• Who is required to notify us
• Where to send notices
• Inspection program

Who is required to notify us

Anyone who imports or processes donor semen in Canada is subject to some notification requirements under the Semen Regulations.

Where to send notices

All notices or information can be sent to be Health Canada by:

• Email: hc.bpcp-pcpb.sc@canada.ca
• Fax: 613-960-2156

Inspection program

Health Canada is authorized to inspect semen establishments under section 23 of the Food and Drugs Act.

Inspections are an important part of the national compliance and enforcement program for donor semen.

This program applies to all known Canadian semen establishments that process, import and/or distribute donor semen used in assisted conception.

For more information on the inspection program please consult the Inspection Strategy for Semen Establishments (POL-0023).

To learn more about the donor semen inspections we conduct, visit the "About donor semen inspections" page or browse inspections results in the Drug and Health Product Inspection Database.