Canada NHP Market-Entry Series · Part 7 of 13
Entering Canada requires more than a product licence
For an international Natural Health Product (NHP) brand, entering Canada involves more than confirming that a product can be sold. The activities taking place in Canada—and the companies performing them—must be appropriately licensed and operated in accordance with applicable requirements. A key part of this framework is the Natural Health Product site licence.
Who generally needs a site licence?
Under Canada’s Natural Health Products Regulations, a site licence is generally required for Canadian sites that manufacture, package, label or import NHPs. A Canadian company importing finished products from an overseas manufacturer should therefore assess its site-licensing requirements before arranging commercial shipments. The importer must also be able to demonstrate that applicable good manufacturing practices (GMP) are met at the relevant sites.
Does every warehouse or distributor need one?
Not necessarily. Storage and distribution, on their own, are not activities that require an NHP site licence. However, the applicable GMP requirements still apply to the storage and distribution of NHPs. A warehouse or logistics provider should understand the product’s storage conditions, maintain appropriate records and support traceability and recall readiness. If the provider also performs a licensable activity—such as packaging or labelling—the licensing assessment may be different.
Why the right Canadian partner matters
The site-licensing model affects how responsibilities are divided between the product owner, Canadian importer, foreign manufacturing site and service providers. Before selecting a partner, clarify who will act as the regulated importer, which sites are involved, what activities each party will perform and how quality documentation will be maintained. This avoids building a supply chain around assumptions that may not fit the actual operating model.
How Globyz can support your Canadian entry
Globyz supports NHP brands planning their Canadian commercialization model through site-licensing and regulatory coordination, importation planning, quality coordination, analytical testing support, warehousing and distribution solutions. Our team can help assess the proposed operating model and identify the authorizations and capabilities needed to move from market-entry planning to commercial supply.
Talk to Globyz
Planning to import or distribute an NHP in Canada? Speak with Globyz about the site-licensing, importation and supply-chain model for your products.
Contact Globyz or email info@globyz.com.
Official Resources
Health Canada: Good manufacturing practices guide for natural health products (GUI-0158)
Health Canada: Site licensing guidance
Continue the Canada NHP Market-Entry Series
Previous: Foreign NHP Brands Entering Canada
Next in this series: Canadian Importer Requirements for Natural Health Products