Canada NHP Market-Entry Series · Part 10 of 13
Warehousing is a quality activity
Once NHPs arrive in Canada, appropriate storage is essential to maintaining product quality and supporting reliable supply. A warehouse should be selected based on the product’s requirements and the controls it can demonstrate—not simply its location or available pallet positions.
Storage conditions and product protection
Products should be stored under conditions that maintain their quality and safety, in line with approved specifications and label requirements. Consider temperature and humidity needs, protection from contamination, pest control, segregation where appropriate and procedures for handling damaged or returned goods. Temperature-sensitive products may require qualified equipment, monitoring and a defined response to excursions.
Inventory controls and traceability
A warehouse should maintain accurate inventory records and be able to identify stock by relevant details such as product, lot or batch, expiry date and status. Clear procedures for receiving, quarantine, release, stock rotation, picking and dispatch help reduce errors and support effective investigations or recalls. Ask how quickly the provider can identify affected inventory and produce distribution records.
GMP expectations apply
Storage and distribution alone are not generally licensable activities under the NHP site-licensing framework. However, applicable GMP requirements still apply to NHP storage and distribution. The level of oversight and documentation should be appropriate to the activities performed and the responsibilities assigned among the importer, product licence holder and logistics provider.
A practical Canadian warehousing model
Brands should assess whether they need ambient or temperature-controlled storage, whether inventory will be held centrally or across multiple locations, and how orders will be fulfilled. The best model balances product protection, service levels, inventory visibility and the ability to expand as Canadian demand develops.
Talk to Globyz
Looking for GMP-conscious NHP warehousing and distribution in Canada? Globyz can help assess the storage and logistics 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)
Continue the Canada NHP Market-Entry Series
Previous: Choosing a 3PL for Natural Health Products in Canada
Next in this series: NHP Fulfillment in Canada: From Warehouse to Customer