Interim Order to allow exceptional importation and sale to help prevent shortages in relation to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for drugs, medical devices and special dietary foods. To help prevent or alleviate shortages of these items, the Minister of Health signed an interim order (IO) on March 30, 2020. Under the IO, products that may not fully meet Canadian regulatory requirements but are manufactured to comparable standards may be imported. Shortages of medical devices considered to be critical during the pandemic must also be reported. More information on the IO can be found in the Explanatory Note.

Exceptional import and sale of drugs

Importing and selling designated drugs, Tier 3 shortages, instructions for industry.

• Overview
• Tier 3 drug shortages
• List of drugs for exceptional importation and sale
• Instructions for industry

Exceptional import and sale of medical devices

Importing and selling designated medical devices.

• Importation and sale of medical devices for COVID-19 guidance document
• Overview
• List of medical devices for exceptional importation and sale

Medical device shortages

Reporting requirements, list of shortages, reporting a shortage.

• Overview
• List of medical devices - notification of shortages
• List of shortages
• Report a shortage
• COVID-19 guidance for reporting medical device shortages

Exceptional import and sale of foods for a special dietary purpose

Importing and selling designated foods for a special dietary purpose, list of foods, further guidance.

• Overview
• List of foods for a special dietary purpose for exceptional importation and sale
• Guidance document on the interim order for foods for a special dietary purpose