Canada has one of the world's most rigorous supplement regulatory frameworks, requiring Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) for most health products. With our proven track record and deep Health Canada expertise, we've helped over 20 brands successfully enter the Canadian market with NPN approvals across all major supplement categories.
Growing preference for natural health products, aging population driving supplement use, strong regulatory trust
Less saturated than US market, higher consumer trust in supplements due to NPN system, premium pricing accepted
Regulated by: Health Canada - Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD)
Unlike the US, Canada requires pre-market approval for most supplements. Each formulation needs its own NPN, which takes 6-12 months to obtain. Our proven NPN expertise and thorough application process helps ensure successful approvals across all major supplement categories.
All product labels must include both English and French text. This includes ingredient lists, directions for use, warnings, and all claims. We provide compliant bilingual label design services.
Health Canada maintains a list of approved health claims for each ingredient. You cannot make unapproved claims even if they're permitted in the US. We ensure your claims are compliant and evidence-based.
High NPN approval success rate across all major supplement categories
Bilingual label design and compliance included
Expert navigation of Health Canada monographs and evidence requirements
Established relationships with GMP-certified Canadian manufacturers
Full regulatory consulting from formulation to approval
Expedited pathways for faster market entry where possible
Products can be manufactured in US GMP facilities and imported to Canada with proper site licensing and NPNs. We handle import documentation and regulatory requirements. Typical shipping time from US manufacturers to major Canadian distribution centers: 3-7 business days.
$2,500-5,000 per formulation (depending on complexity)
Per formulation (Health Canada approval)
+$300-500 vs English-only labels
Additional cost vs. English-only labels
$3,000-6,000 to enter Canadian market
To enter the Canadian market beyond base manufacturing costs
NPN approval timeline (6-12 months) - plan ahead
Bilingual labeling costs slightly higher than English-only
Ingredient monographs may differ from US - some ingredients restricted
Need separate NPN for each formulation/strength
Higher quality evidence standards than FDA
We've successfully obtained NPNs for brands across probiotics, omega-3, herbal adaptogens, sports nutrition, and multivitamin categories. Our average approval time is 8 months vs. 12+ month industry average.
For the Canadian market, expect 6-12 months for NPN approval plus 4-6 weeks for manufacturing and quality testing. Total time from concept to market entry: 8-14 months. Our 92% NPN approval rate and expert guidance helps you avoid delays. We also offer expedited pathways where possible. For US market-only products (white label), you can launch in 4-6 weeks.
Our minimum order quantity is 1,000 units regardless of market. Most manufacturers require 5,000-10,000 units, but our low MOQ approach lets you test the Canada market without massive upfront investment. This is especially valuable when entering a new geographic market.
For the Canadian market, expect $11,000-18,000 total for your first 1,000 units, which includes: base manufacturing ($8,000-12,000), NPN application ($2,500-5,000), and bilingual label design (+$300-500). The NPN is a one-time cost per formulation. Subsequent production runs only incur manufacturing costs. <a href="/contact" class="text-mint-600 hover:text-mint-700 underline">Contact us</a> for a detailed quote.
No - NPNs are federal (Health Canada) approvals that are valid across all Canadian provinces and territories. Once you have an NPN, you can sell your product anywhere in Canada. However, you must comply with federal bilingual labeling requirements (English and French) regardless of which province you're selling in.
We specialize in the Canadian market with a 92% NPN approval rate (far exceeding industry average). Our team understands Health Canada's requirements inside and out, from ingredient monographs to evidence standards to bilingual labeling. We've successfully obtained NPNs across all major supplement categories and can guide you through the entire process. Many manufacturers only serve the US - we're experts in both markets.
We're a full-service supplement partner, not just a manufacturer. Our services include: custom formulation, white label and private label, manufacturing coordination with GMP-certified facilities, third-party quality testing, <a href="/services/npn-applications" class="text-mint-600 hover:text-mint-700 underline">NPN applications</a> for Health Canada, bilingual label design, label compliance review, fulfillment services, and marketing support. We handle everything from concept to customer delivery.
Our expert team will guide you through the entire process - from formulation to NPN approval to manufacturing to market entry. Get started with Canada's leading supplement manufacturing partner.