Insights

Selling private‑label cosmetics in Canada means you and your importer share compliance. Notify Health Canada within 10 days of first sale, label to Canadian rules (bilingual, INCI), screen formulas against the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, and amend when anything material changes. As of March 5, 2025, the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) requires a Canadian address for…

Importing healthcare products into Canada does not end when goods clear customs. Once products arrive, how they are stored and distributed becomes just as important as how they were imported. Health Canada places strict requirements on warehousing and distribution to ensure that medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and natural health products remain safe and effective. For…

Short Answer: In Canada, you can make appearance‑only claims like cleanse, moisturize, smooth, or add shine. You cannot claim to treat, prevent, or correct a disease or alter body functions without moving into drug or natural health product (NHP) rules. Regulators judge your words by the general (net) impression, not just the literal text. Not…

Some drugs are available without a prescription, while others require authorization from a healthcare professional. Understanding the distinction between over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription drugs is crucial for importers, as classification affects licensing, distribution, and regulatory compliance when importing pharmaceutical products into Canada. Health Canada plays a key role in classifying and regulating both categories…

Health Canada has locked in a sweeping labelling overhaul for cosmetics. Beginning 12 April 2026, all manufacturers, brand owners, and businesses importing cosmetics into Canada must list a priority fragrance allergen on rinse-off products once it exceeds 0.01 %, while leave-on formulas trigger disclosure at just 0.001 %. The same allergens must also appear in…

Health Canada has strengthened its oversight of cosmetics sold in Canada, with new requirements that affect foreign manufacturers and importers alike. While many compliance obligations have been in place for years, several key updates were recently introduced that make a Canadian presence and detailed traceability more important than ever. At Progress Therapeutics, we help our…

Importing pharmaceutical products into Canada involves navigating a complex regulatory landscape. Health Canada, the federal authority responsible for drug safety and efficacy, requires importers and manufacturers to submit specific applications depending on the type of drug, its intended use, and its market status. In this post, we’ll break down the main submission types you need…

For healthcare importers bringing products into Canada, understanding import fees and duties is essential to managing costs and ensuring compliance. Unlike regular consumer goods, healthcare products often have specific regulations and fees tied to their importation, impacting their total landed cost. These fees and duties not only cover customs duties but may also include additional…

In the healthcare industry, where compliance and efficiency are essential, Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) offer a significant advantage for companies aiming to bring their products into Canada. MRAs streamline regulatory processes between countries, allowing businesses to meet a shared set of standards that reduce duplicate inspections and certifications. For pharmaceuticals, leveraging an MRA can mean…

Diving into the intricate world of the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) unveils a crucial aspect of Canada’s healthcare sector. As a regulatory body, the NNHPD ensures the safety and efficacy of natural and non-prescription health products, setting standards that profoundly impact market dynamics. For those of us operating as Canadian importers of…