International Trade Certificates for Natural Health Products (NHPs) to be Issued by Independent 3rd Parties

September 30, 2013 By

As of September 2, 2013, Health Canada is transferring the responsibility of International Trade Certificates issuance to independent 3rd parties. Any request received prior to September 2, 2013 will still be provided by the NHPD.

An International Trade Certificate is a document which speaks to the regulatory status of a natural health product (NHP) in Canada and/or the Canadian manufacturing, packaging, and/or labeling site. On May 31st, 2013 the NHPD issued a message to Natural Health Product Stakeholders regarding the issuance of International Trade Certificates to consult on transferring this practice from the NHPD to independent 3rd parties. Up until that time the NHPD voluntarily issued these certificates as a service. However, following the close of the consultation on August 29, 2013 the NHPD has confirmed that they are transferring the responsibility of International Trade Certificates issuance to independent 3rd parties.

International Trade Certificates: What does this mean for Industry?

As of September 2, 2013, Health Canada will not be accepting any new International Trade Certificate applications. However, the NHPD has committed to reviewing all International Trade Certificate applications currently in queue (i.e. before September 2, 2013). These applications will be processed by March 31, 2014, although Health Canada cannot provide specific processing timelines. The NHPD has requested that companies that require there International Trade Certificates urgently submit their application to an authorized 3rd party.

At the present time, there are 3 organizations that have been authorized by Health Canada to issue International Trade Certificates, they are:

  • Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCFTA)
  • Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA)
  • Consumer Health Products (CHP Canada)

While additional organizations can apply to Health Canada to become a 3rd party issuer of International Trade Certificates, Health Canada will not be managing a publicly available list of 3rd parties that are authorized to perform this function.

International Trade Certificates: How can dicentra help?

It is standard practice amongst many countries to require an International Trade Certificate to accompany any NHP imported into their jurisdiction. dicentra can prepare the application for your International Trade Certificate for NHPs or for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance to submit to the approved 3rd parties for issuance of the International Trade Certificates. We are available to facilitate the process of receiving your International Trade Certificate with 3rd party issuers.

dicentra provides regulatory and scientific solutions for accelerated business growth. We specialize in the areas of natural health products, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics and OTCs. We can be reached at 1-866-647-3279 or at dicentra.com