Canada NHP Market-Entry Series · Part 9 of 13
A 3PL is part of your product’s Canadian supply chain
Selecting a third-party logistics provider (3PL) is an important decision for any NHP brand entering Canada. Your logistics partner will help protect product quality after importation and support the movement of inventory to retailers, distributors, pharmacies and e-commerce customers. The right provider should understand the operational and quality expectations associated with NHPs—not just the cost of storing cartons or pallets.
Look beyond warehouse space
Assess whether the provider can accommodate your product’s storage conditions, packaging formats, inventory profile and expected order volumes. Ask how receiving, put-away, stock rotation, order picking, packing and dispatch are controlled. If your products require temperature-controlled storage, confirm how conditions are monitored, excursions are escalated and records are retained.
Quality systems and traceability
NHP storage and distribution activities are subject to applicable GMP expectations, even though storage and distribution alone do not generally require an NHP site licence. A suitable 3PL should have documented procedures, trained personnel, appropriate premises, inventory controls and the ability to support product traceability and recall activities. Understand how deviations, complaints, damaged goods and returns are handled.
Technology, reporting and service flexibility
Your 3PL should provide inventory visibility and reliable order information. Discuss system integration, EDI requirements, reporting frequency, lot and expiry tracking, service levels and the process for managing urgent orders. Also confirm whether the provider can scale as volumes grow or support multiple sales channels without introducing unnecessary complexity.
One partner from import to distribution
Where possible, evaluate the complete service model: import coordination, quality and batch documentation, warehousing, order fulfilment and distribution. A fragmented model can create hand-offs and make accountability harder to manage. A coordinated provider can help simplify communications and give your team a clearer view of inventory as products move through the Canadian market.
Talk to Globyz
Evaluating Canadian 3PL partners for your NHP portfolio? Discuss your storage, quality and distribution requirements with Globyz.
Contact Globyz or email info@globyz.com.
Official Resources
Health Canada: Good manufacturing practices guide for natural health products (GUI-0158)
Continue the Canada NHP Market-Entry Series
Previous: Canadian Importer Requirements for Natural Health Products
Next in this series: Canadian NHP Warehousing: Storage and Quality Considerations