Health Canada initially proposed new fees for Natural Health Products (NHPs) in May 2023, and after public consultation, revised the proposal in March 2024, indicating a seven-year phase-in period starting December 1, 2025. However, Health Canada has confirmed that the cost recovery for NHPs will not begin on December 1, 2025, as the required publication of fees in the Canada Gazette, Part II, has not taken place. The department is now prioritizing significant regulatory reforms outlined in a September 2025 Red Tape Review report, which aims to modernize and simplify regulations for both NHPs and Non-Prescription Drugs (NPDs). Key actions include introducing a simple registration process for certain products, implementing flexible, risk-based vigilance and labelling requirements, and generally reducing pre-market burden in favor of post-market oversight. Health Canada will revisit the NHP cost recovery proposal only after these program adjustments are made, acknowledging that the changes will significantly impact the NHP program’s costing model. The Directorate commits to continued engagement as these initiatives move forward.
