OTC drugs, prescription medications, radiopharmaceuticals, biologics, and gene therapies are all drug types. OTC pharmaceuticals, often known as non-prescription drugs, are health items available in the Canadian market that may be purchased without a medical prescription. Evidence of safety and efficacy must be supplied to Health Canada, whether it be pre-cleared information from OTC drug monographs or clinical trials.
OTC medications are regulated by Health Canada to guarantee their safety and to reduce health hazards to Canadians.
A DIN number, or “Drug Identification Number”, is a unique numerical code assigned to drugs by Health Canada, allowing drug manufacturers and healthcare professionals to easily identify and track them. In this guide, we’ll explain what a DIN number is and how it works, as well as how to apply for one and the advantages of having one.
Over-the-counter (OTC), prescription medications, radiopharmaceuticals, biologics, and gene therapies are all drug types. OTC Pharmaceuticals, often known as non-prescription drugs, are health items available in the Canadian market that may be purchased without a medical prescription. Evidence of safety and efficacy must be supplied, whether it be pre-cleared information from OTC drug monographs or clinical trials undertaken on the innovative medication. OTC medications are regulated by Health Canada to guarantee their safety and to reduce health hazards to Canadians.
A DIN number is a unique, 8-digit numerical code assigned to drugs by Health Canada. It includes the drug’s name, the active ingredient, dose form, route of administration, and strength. Each DIN number is unique for each drug available in Canada and is used to identify and track drugs by manufacturers and healthcare professionals.
To apply for a DIN number, you must be an authorized manufacturer holding a Drug Establishment License (DEL). You or your delegated representative must submit a completed Drug Identification Number Application Form to Health Canada directly. After review and approval, Health Canada will assign a DIN-NNN-NNNN format, providing you with the authorization to manufacture and sell the drug.
Having a unique Drug Identification Number (DIN) assigned to your product allows it to be tracked and its safety monitored by Health Canada. With this unique number, you can register your product in the Canadian marketplace, which allows retailers to purchase it without any concern or question of authenticity or safety. In addition, having a DIN also helps protect your brand name since you will be the only manufacturer associated with the specific DIN number.
When applying for a DIN number, you will need to provide several documents. These documents include a completed application form, the product labeling text, evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) approval, product safety and efficacy data reports, proof of payment of fees, and any supporting documents requested by Health Canada. All documents must be complete and accurate for your application to be approved.
Processing time for a DIN number can vary depending on the complexity of your application. Generally speaking, it may take 4-6 weeks to receive a response from Health Canada. There are also fees associated with obtaining a DIN number, including an initial set-up fee and an annual renewal fee for manufacturers. It is important to research the fees involved before submitting your application as changes may occur over time.
OTC drugs to be sold in Canada require a Drug Identification Number (DIN Number). This DIN Number on a product label indicates the drug has met all requirements for quality, safety, and efficacy. Canadian firms that are engaged in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and importing non-prescription drugs must be licensed for these activities.
There are several monograph categories for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs in Canada. These include Labeling Standard, TPD Category IV, and Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (i.e. NSAIDs).
Any company (domestic or international) that manufactures, distributes, or imports OTC pharmaceuticals must provide proof that they adhere to GMP.
A mandatory requirement to fabricate (manufacture), package, label, test, import, distribute, or wholesale a finished drug or bulk process intermediate drug.
Our team of experts have licensed several different types of products, including disinfectants, cough & cold medication, allergy medication, sunscreens, and more! Some of these services include; NHP, medical devices, dietary supplements, and veterinary health products (VHP).
Our Canadian OTC Regulatory Experts are backed with extensive knowledge and years of experience. We offer OTC compliance consulting services for all types of companies to lessen the regulatory risk and assure a speedy way for the launch of your OTC drug.
Former Health Canada officers will guide you on how to submit a meeting request, prepare for discussion as well as attend meetings with you to offer support with Health Canada officials.
Wondering how to get a Drug Establishment License? We offer complete support to register your facility for an Establishment License and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Contact us for more information.
Wondering how to get an Establishment License? We offer complete support to register your facility for an Establishment License along with annexing foreign sites to Canadian import license holders.
Worried about Plain Language Labelling (PLL) compliance and French Translation? Don't worry. We ensure your drug product label meets the applicable language requirements and follows the PLL format.
A Drug Identification Number (DIN Number) is a computer-generated eight-digit number assigned by Health Canada to a drug product prior to being marketed in Canada. It uniquely identifies all drug products sold in a dosage form in Canada and is located on the label of prescription and over-the-counter drug products that have been evaluated and authorized for sale in Canada. A DIN lets the user know that the product has undergone and passed a review of its formulation, labeling and instructions for use. A drug product sold in Canada without a DIN is not in compliance with Canadian law.
Through Health Canada’s Plain Language Labelling Initiative, there are new requirements for health product labelling and packaging, including a requirement for a Drug Facts Table (Facts Table) on the outer label of non-prescription drugs. The standardized format of the Drug Facts Table will help consumers find important product information quickly and easily.
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