Ventilators for patients with COVID-19

Ventilators are an important piece of medical equipment in the fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Health care professionals use ventilators to give respiratory help to patients who need it.

On this page

• Faster access
• How to get authorization
• List of ventilators authorized under the interim order

Faster access

Canada is speeding up the importation and sale of medical devices used to diagnose, treat or prevent COVID-19. On March 18, 2020, the Minister of Health approved an interim order to speed up the review of these medical devices, including ventilators. A second Interim Order (IO) was introduced on March 1, 2021 and replaced the first one. On February 21, 2022, Interim Order No. 3 respecting the importation and sale of medical devices for use in relation to COVID-19 replaced Interim Order No. 2. An IO is one of the fastest ways to respond to large-scale public health emergencies.

Health Canada reviews all COVID-19-related submissions and applications as quickly as possible without compromising patient safety.

How to get authorization

Under the IO, manufacturers submit an application that explains the safety, effectiveness and quality of their medical device. We are waiving the fees for these applications.

We have developed a guidance document to help manufacturers and importers apply to sell and import medical devices under the IO for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well, Health Canada's notice on the importation or sale of ventilators gives important information that is needed to apply for ventilator authorization. The notice gives key information on:

• IO submission requirements
• how Health Canada reviews these devices and the US FDA's guidance on ventilators
• a list of Canadian manufacturers that offer ventilator details to begin production

To submit an application for authorization under the IO, follow these steps:

1. Review the guidance document on how to apply for medical devices for use in relation to COVID-19, under the IO.
2. Prepare your submission package. Each IO submission must include enough information, including device labelling, so that Health Canada can authorize the device. Manufacturers are strongly encouraged to review the notice before submitting the application.
3. Submit your application to the Medical Devices Directorate at devicelicensing-homologationinstruments@hc-sc.gc.ca.

For information about the licensing or authorization of medical devices in Canada, please contact the Medical Devices Directorate at meddevices-instrumentsmed@hc-sc.gc.ca.

List of ventilators authorized under the interim order

Medical devices authorized through the IO, including ventilators, are posted in the list of products authorized under the IO.

Related links

• Notice: Importation or sale of ventilators - use of US FDA guidance and Canadian requirements for authorization under the Interim Order
• Applications for medical devices under the Interim Order for use in relation to COVID-19
• Interim order No. 3 respecting the importation and sale of medical devices for use in relation to COVID-19
• Medical devices for use against coronavirus (COVID-19): List of products authorized under Interim Order
• Notice: Expedited review of health product submissions and applications to address COVID-19