Month: February 2015

Some companies make the assumption that selling a dietary supplement product in Canada is no different than selling in the United States.   There are, in fact, several distinct differences.  As you plan to enter the Canadian market there are several points to consider.  

1. You need to obtain a Natural Product Number (NPN). This is a license issued by Health Canada for Dietary Supplements. The process to obtain a license can take 10 to 210 days depending on the ingredients in the formula.  There is currently a pilot program which is trying to ensure that 95% of applications receive a license in 30 days. This program concludes at the end of February and initiatives, technology and processes will be improved to hit this target.
2. You must have a compliant label, both in terms of content and layout as well as a bilingual label that is in both English and French.
3. Your manufacturing facility has to be annexed to a Natural Health Product site licensed importer (these licenses are only issued to Canadian businesses).  Often distributors hold an import site license but it is not necessary or a requirement that the distributor also be your importer on record.  Depending on your needs and strategy for Canada, it may be preferable to work with a third party importer that is separate from the distributor. 

Quality Smart Solutions can assist you in these three areas.  In addition, we have a national network of distributors and brokers in Canada to fit your distribution and channel needs.  We are more than just a consulting firm. We are YOUR end-to-end solution for a compliant and successful Canadian launch. Contact us today or call us at 1-800-396-5144.