Health Canada has announced a significant update regarding the implementation timeline for the 2022 amendments to the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR) labelling requirements.
Under the latest Natural Health Product Licensing Bulletin No. 10, Health Canada confirmed that additional regulatory amendments are being planned to make the labelling requirements more flexible, with further stakeholder consultations and a new transition timeline expected beyond June 2028.
For companies currently preparing for compliance with the updated Natural Health Product (NHP) labelling requirements, this announcement may provide additional time and flexibility — but it does not eliminate the need for strategic planning.
In June 2022, Health Canada introduced major amendments to the Natural Health Products Regulations intended to improve label clarity, consistency, and readability for consumers.
These amendments introduced several significant changes, including:
The changes were designed to better align Canadian NHP labelling with non-prescription drug labelling frameworks used in Canada and internationally.
You can read our original overview of the 2022 amendments here:
“Changes to Natural Health Product Regulations (NHPR) Labelling Requirements.”
Health Canada has now acknowledged that many companies continue to face operational and technical challenges implementing the new labelling framework.
According to the May 11, 2026 bulletin, Health Canada has been engaging with stakeholders since 2024 to better understand implementation barriers, particularly for products with:
As part of its Red Tape Reduction commitments, Health Canada plans to introduce additional regulatory amendments intended to make the labelling framework more flexible.
Draft regulatory amendments are currently targeted for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I in Spring 2027.
Importantly, Health Canada also confirmed that the amendments will include a new proposed transition period extending beyond June 2028.
The original 2022 amendments introduced several major compliance obligations for NHP licence holders, including:
Product Facts Table (PFT)
Many NHPs are required to display standardized Product Facts Tables containing sections such as:
Allergen and Ingredient Disclosure
Products containing certain allergens, gluten, sulphites, or aspartame must include additional disclosure statements and warnings.
Improved Legibility Standards
Health Canada introduced mandatory requirements related to:
Modernized Contact Information
Labels must now include a telephone number, email address, or website address rather than relying solely on postal addresses.
Health Canada identified ongoing implementation challenges across industry, particularly related to label space limitations and the complexity of fitting all required information onto packaging while maintaining readability.
The Department also indicated that it is exploring:
The goal is to maintain consumer safety objectives while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden.
This update is relevant to:
Companies currently preparing artwork updates or packaging redesigns for compliance with the 2022 amendments should closely monitor upcoming regulatory developments.
Original Timeline
Under the original amendments:
March 2025 Ministerial Exemption Order
On March 7, 2025, Health Canada issued a Ministerial Exemption Order temporarily exempting newly licensed NHPs from the new labelling provisions, effectively aligning all products to the June 21, 2028 compliance date.
New Proposed Extension
Health Canada has now confirmed that:
At this time, the final revised compliance date has not yet been announced.
Although timelines may be extended, companies should not pause compliance planning entirely.
Organizations should consider:
Conducting a Gap Assessment
Review current labels against the 2022 NHPR amendments to identify:
Reviewing Packaging Constraints
Products with small package formats or complex formulations may require additional strategic planning.
Monitoring Regulatory Developments
Further guidance and draft amendments are expected beginning in Spring 2027.
Developing a Long-Term Transition Strategy
Companies should prepare for eventual implementation while remaining flexible as Health Canada finalizes revised requirements.
Health Canada’s latest announcement signals that the implementation of the 2022 NHP labelling framework remains a work in progress.
While the proposed compliance extension may provide relief for many companies, the underlying objectives of improved readability, consistency, and consumer transparency remain unchanged.
Companies should continue preparing strategically while monitoring upcoming regulatory amendments and stakeholder consultations.
dicentra’s regulatory team supports Natural Health Product companies with:
If your organization is preparing for upcoming NHP labelling changes, contact dicentra to discuss your compliance strategy.