Canada NHP Market-Entry Series · Part 3 of 6
A Natural Product Number (NPN) is a unique eight-digit number issued by Health Canada to a Natural Health Product that has been authorized for sale in Canada.
An NPN indicates that Health Canada has assessed the product’s safety, efficacy and quality under its recommended conditions of use. Homeopathic medicines use a separate eight-digit identifier, the DIN-HM.
Why Is an NPN Important?
- Regulatory compliance: NHPs require the applicable product licence before they can legally be sold in Canada.
- Product authorization: an NPN relates to a specific product and its authorized ingredients, dosage, intended use and conditions.
- Consumer confidence: the number helps consumers identify an authorized product.
- Market access: product authorization is a key requirement for Canadian sale and distribution.
How Do Businesses Obtain an NPN?
Businesses submit a product licence application to Health Canada. The application includes medicinal and non-medicinal ingredient information, recommended dosage, health claims and the applicable supporting safety, efficacy and quality information.
After approval, Health Canada issues an NPN that must appear on the product label. Businesses should ensure that marketed claims and directions remain consistent with the product licence.
An NPN Is Not an Importer Licence
A product licence does not replace the site licence required for specified activities such as commercial importation. Product licensing and site licensing address different parts of the market-entry process.
How Can Globyz Biopharma Help?
Globyz Biopharma supports businesses exploring Canadian NHP market entry by helping them understand regulatory expectations, importation pathways and quality compliance requirements.
Whether you are launching a new product or expanding an established brand, contact Globyz or email info@globyz.com to discuss your regulatory and operational needs.
Official Resources
Health Canada: Regulation of natural health products
Health Canada: Site licensing guidance
Continue the Canada NHP Market-Entry Series
Previous: Canadian NHP Labelling Requirements
Next in this series: NPN vs. NHP Site Licence in Canada