Originally published March 4, 2025. Updated April 1, 2025, to reflect the March 26 announcement from Health Canada.

Health Canada has now published the anticipated Ministerial Order confirming a temporary exemption for certain Natural Health Products (NHPs) from specific labelling requirements originally set to take effect in June 2025. This exemption is officially in effect as of the March 26, 2025, announcement and provides industry stakeholders with additional time to comply with the new labelling standards while preserving transparency and product accessibility for Canadian consumers.

Scope & Purpose

The newly enacted Ministerial Order allows newly licensed NHPs to comply with either the current or previous labelling regulations during a multi-year transitional period. This exemption is a direct response to feedback from the NHP industry, particularly regarding the difficulty of adapting to new labelling requirements for products with extensive ingredient lists or multiple risk statements.

Health Canada emphasized that while consumer-friendly labelling remains a priority, it is also committed to supporting a realistic implementation timeline for businesses. This temporary exemption is designed to:

• Provide additional time for industry compliance efforts
• Maintain consumer access to NHPs without market disruptions
• Allow Health Canada to finalize supportive tools and guidance

What Are the Changes?

Under the terms of the Ministerial Order, the following changes now apply:

• NHPs newly licensed between June 21, 2025, and June 21, 2028, may comply with either the new or previous labelling requirements
• The exemption specifically applies to Sections 86 to 94 of the amended Natural Health Products Regulations (SOR/2022-146)
• After June 21, 2028, all NHPs must fully comply with the updated labelling requirements

Health Canada also noted that it continues to evaluate long-term solutions to support industry compliance, such as exploring digital labelling options and streamlined regulatory frameworks.

How Can I Be Prepared?

To ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions, NHP companies are encouraged to:

• Review existing product labels: Determine if current labels align with updated regulations and identify any required changes
• Monitor Health Canada guidance: Stay up to date as new tools, FAQs, and templates are released
• Explore digital labelling: Consider using QR codes or other digital solutions to supplement on-pack information
• Participate in consultations: Join Health Canada engagement sessions to share input and gain further clarification
• Plan for long-term compliance: Create a roadmap now to ensure full transition before the 2028 deadline

Get Expert Advice

Navigating NHP labelling regulations during a transitional period can be challenging. At dicentra, we help brands and manufacturers stay fully compliant with the evolving Natural Health Products Regulations. Our services include:

• Comprehensive labelling reviews for both current and future requirements
• Customized regulatory strategies to minimize market delays
• Guidance on digital labelling enhancements and consumer access solutions

If your team needs support in adapting to these recent changes, contact us today. We’re here to help you stay ahead of compliance deadlines.