Natural health products
Quick Facts
- Health Canada regulates natural health products (NHPs) so that Canadians can have confidence that the products they use are safe, effective and of high quality.
- Labels are an important tool to assist Canadians in making informed health choices when selecting and using NHPs.
- Health Canada has amended the Natural Health Products Regulations, to make NHP product labels easier to read and understand. These changes support consumers in selecting and safely using NHPs. For more information and to access the supporting Labelling of Natural Health Products guidance document, visit What's new: Natural and non-prescription health products
For industry information about COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 Disinfectants, sanitizers, cleaners and soaps section.
Natural Health Products
Under the Natural Health Products Regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, natural health products (NHPs) are defined as:
- Probiotics
- Herbal remedies
- Vitamins and minerals
- Homeopathic medicines
- Traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines
- Other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids
Features
- Calendar of engagement on the self-care framework priorities
- What's New
- Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19)
- Natural Health Products Online System
- Licensed Natural Health Products Database
- List of Site Licence Holders
- Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Report 2 – Natural Health Products
- Health Canada responds to the Spring 2021 Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Features
- Calendar of engagement on the self-care framework priorities
- What's new: Natural and non-prescription health products
- Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19)
- Natural Health Products Online System
- Licensed Natural Health Products Database
- List of Site Licence Holders
- Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Report 2 – Natural Health Products
- Health Canada responds to the Spring 2021 Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Natural health products must be safe to use and sold without a prescription. Products requiring a prescription are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.
For Consumers
For Industry
Forms, templates and guidance documents
- Natural Health Products Online System – natural health product application forms and guidelines
- Natural Health Product Licensing – Forms and templates
- Natural Health Products Site Licensing – Forms
- Clinical Trials – Forms and templates
- Guidance Documents - on all aspects of regulatory requirements for natural health products
- Guidance for Industry on Third-Party Issuance of international Trade Certificates
Information
- The Natural Health Product Site Licensing Bulletin
- Fact Sheet on Schedule A Health Claims for Natural Health Products
- Licensed Natural Health Products Database
- NNHPD monographs
- Self-care products regulation
How self-care products, including natural heath products, cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs, are regulated in Canada. - Classification of Products under the Food and Drugs Act (F&DA)
- Contact the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate
- Lists incorporated by reference
Health Canada's Role
The Program assesses all NHPs before allowing their sale in Canada. It also verifies that NHPs are properly manufactured (without contamination or incorrect ingredients). The Program monitors companies involved in NHPs to make sure they respect the Natural Health Products Regulations.
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