From the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) eNews April 30th edition:
Great News for NHP Industry
Draft regulatory amendment to be published in Canada Gazette Part I
CHFA has been working diligently for several months to provide legal certainty for natural health products (NHPs) products caught in the product licensing application (PLA) review queue. CHFA identified the need for a regulatory amendment in a letter dated January 21, 2010 as the only means of bringing legal certainty to ensure the ongoing sale of NHPs, particularly in pharmacies, while their PLA’s were mired in the review queue.
CHFA is extremely pleased on behalf of its members to advise that a draft Regulatory Amendment will be published in Canada Gazette Part I (draft regulation) prior to Expo West as we requested, on Saturday May 8.
This is great news for the NHP industry as it sets the stage for likely legalization of some 10,000 products currently in the product licensing application review queue. If all goes as expected, we may see final regulations completed by the end of July.
CHFA expects Health Canada to issue a letter to CHFA and other stakeholders in the next few working days, outlining some detail of the regulatory proposal, comment period, and key dates. CHFA will then look to further communicate to all members with as much detail as possible.
Supplier Forum Focuses on Future of NHPs
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Health Canada representatives on this new regulatory amendment as well as emerging issues such as compliance and enforcement. Special guests in this one-time forum on May 14 at Expo West include:
• Michelle Boudreau, Director General, Natural Health Products Directorate
• Diana Dowthwaite, Director General, Health Products and Food Inspectorate
• Samuel Godefroy, Ph.D, Director General of the Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch
• Dr. Teresa Clarke, BSc, MD, InspireHealth
Keep yourself in the loop on what is happening and changing in the industry. Find complete forum details, here.
Members $150 / Non Members $250.
Pre-registration is required.