Understanding Plain Language Labelling for Canadian Natural Health Products (NHPs) 

Overview of the Upcoming Changes for Natural Health Product Labels 

In 2022, Health Canada introduced significant updates to the labelling regulations for Natural Health Products (NHPs) to enhance transparency and consumer understanding. These changes established a standardized labelling approach, including the introduction of the Product Facts Table (PFT). This new format presents key product details in a clear, tabular layout, making it easier for consumers to access essential information. 

Initially, products licensed after June 21, 2025, were required to comply with the new labelling requirements immediately. However, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Health Canada announced its intention to issue a Ministerial Order that will exempt newly licensed products from immediate compliance. Instead, all NHPs—regardless of when they are licensed—will now have until June 22, 2028, to comply with the new labelling requirements. This aligns the compliance deadline for newly licensed products with that of currently licensed ones. 

It is important to note that the June 22, 2028 deadline applies to products at the retail level, meaning that after this date, any NHP still on store shelves must have an updated label. Products with outdated labels will no longer be permitted for sale. To ensure compliance, companies must plan their label updates in alignment with product shelf life. For example, if a product has a 3-year shelf life, new labels should be in place by June 2025 to prevent non-compliant inventory from remaining on shelves past the deadline. Similarly, products with a 2.5-year shelf life should transition to updated labels by December 2025. 

In addition to the PFT implementation, Health Canada has also revised requirements for allergen labelling, technical specifications, and contact information declarations. 

To help you navigate these regulatory changes, we offer a comprehensive online course that provides step-by-step guidance on updating your labels—click here to enroll! 

Learn more about the upcoming changes in our post below. 

General Labelling Requirements for Natural Health Products 

Natural Health Product labels comprise two main sections: (1) the principal display panel and (2) other areas, which include all outer label parts – except the bottom of the package. The Natural Health Product Regulations specify mandatory label information that must align with the issued product licence. All required information must appear in both English and Canadian-French with equal prominence. For professional label translation assistance, visit our Technical Translations for Labels & Safety Data Sheet service page. 

Some products feature both inner and outer labels. For example, a natural health product might have an inner label on the bottle and an outer label on its retail packaging. While principal display panel requirements remain the same, other label area requirements may differ between outer and inner labels. 

Principal Display Panel (PDP) Labelling Requirements 

The principal display panel (PDP) is the front-facing label visible to consumers during purchase and normal use. This panel faces the consumer when the product is displayed on store shelves. The following information must be included on the PDP and be clearly visible to consumers at the time of purchase: 

• Brand name – The product’s brand name must be displayed on the PDP and match exactly with the information on the product licence. 

• Natural Product Number – Health Canada assigns an eight-digit natural product number that must be shown on the PDP with the prefix “NPN” or “DIN-HM”. This identifier should be presented horizontally on the panel. 

• Dosage form – This indicates how the product is administered or its physical form, such as “tablet” or “capsule”. When the dosage form is already part of the product’s brand name, it doesn’t need to be stated separately. 

• Net amount – This represents either the total number of dosage units in the immediate container (i.e. 60 capsules) or the total quantity of contents, expressed using metric measurements (i.e. 60 mL). 

• Sterile (if applicable) – For sterile products, a “sterile” designation must be prominently displayed on the PDP in both English and French. 

Other Labelling Requirements 

Label requirements for additional sections vary based on the label type. Different standards apply to products with both inner labels (directly on the content container) and outer labels (on external packaging like boxes). Products with only one label, must follow the outer label requirements: 

Outer Label Requirements: Beyond the principal display panel requirements, other label panels must include: 

• A comprehensive Product Facts Table containing: medicinal ingredients list, intended uses or purposes (health claims), warnings (including warning statements, cautions, contraindications, and known adverse reactions), usage directions (with recommended dosage and frequency), allergen information and related statements, additional information (storage conditions or special instructions), non-medicinal ingredients, and a “Questions?” section. 

• The licence holder’s name (as it appears on the product licence) or importer’s details. 

• Recommended route of administration (i.e. “oral”, “nasal”, “sublingual”). 

• Lot number with an appropriate identifier such as “Lot number” or “Lot No.”. 

• Expiry date with a suitable identifier like “Expiry” or “EXP”. Multiple date formats are acceptable, including EXP YYYY-MM or EXP MM-YYYY. 

Inner Label Requirements: For products with both outer and inner labels, specific labelling criteria apply to inner labels. 

• The name of the licence holder (as shown on the product licence) or importer’s name WITH contact details. 

• A detailed list of medicinal ingredients, including their specific quantities per dose unit and potency specifications where relevant. 

• A minimum of one use or purpose as per the product license. 

• Clear indication of recommended route of administration as per the product license (such as “oral”, “nasal”, “sublingual”, or other applicable routes). 

• Precise dosage instructions. 

• Specific duration of use guidelines. 

• Comprehensive allergen statement(s) including clear identification of source materials. 

• Complete risk information details, per the product license. 

• Essential other information covering storage conditions and special handling instructions. 

• The lot number, clearly identified with prefixes like “Lot number” or “Lot No.”. 

• The expiry date, properly identified using prefixes such as “Expiry” or “EXP”, with acceptable format variations (EXP YYYY-MM or EXP MM-YYYY). 

Product Facts Table (PFT) Information 

The Product Facts Table (PFT) requirement represents a crucial update to NHP regulations, designed for clear information presentation.  

The table must follow this specific structure: 

Title: “Product Facts” must appear in both English and French, with flexibility for either a single bilingual table or separate language tables. 

Medicinal Ingredients: Listed in descending quantity order, including: 

• Complete ingredient name and source material 

• Precise quantity per dosage unit 

• Extract specifications (ratio and crude equivalent) 

• Individual ingredient potency details 

Uses and Purposes: Must include licensed health claims only, excluding marketing claims. 

Warnings: Comprehensive risk statements listed in this sequence (as applicable): 

• Specific use designation (i.e. “For ___ use only”)  

• Allergen/gluten/sulphites declarations 

• Flammability alerts 

• Choking hazards 

• “Do not use if…” statements 

• “Ask a healthcare practitioner before use if…” statements 

• “When using this product…” statements 

• “Stop using and ask a healthcare practitioner if…” statements  

• “Keep out of reach of children”statement 

Directions: Detailed usage instructions, as per the product license, including recommended daily dosage and duration, must be placed following the warnings section. 

Other Information: Following the directions, this section should detail storage requirements and any pertinent product handling guidelines. 

Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Following the other information section, non-medicinal ingredients should be listed using common names, either alphabetically or by quantity. 

Questions: The final section, following non-medicinal ingredients, must include the product licence holder’s contact details. For comprehensive information about Product Facts Table formatting, exemptions, and innovative labelling approaches, consult the Labelling of Natural Health Products Guidance Document. 

For detailed guidance on these regulations, consider our comprehensive online course [link]. 

Compliance Deadline 

Previously, products licensed after June 21, 2025, were required to comply with the new labelling guidelines immediately. However, on February 25, 2025, Health Canada announced its intention to issue a Ministerial Order that will exempt newly licensed products from immediate compliance. Now, all NHPs—regardless of their licensing date—will have until June 22, 2028, to meet the new labelling requirements. 

It is important to note that the June 22, 2028 deadline applies to products at the retail level, meaning that after this date, only products with updated labels can remain on store shelves. To stay compliant, businesses should adjust their labelling timelines according to product shelf life. For example, if a product has a 3-year shelf life, its labels should be updated by June 2025 to ensure compliance before the deadline. Likewise, products with a 2.5-year shelf life should have updated labels in place by December 2025 to avoid non-compliant stock remaining in stores. 

We’re Here for Regulatory Support 

Transform your Natural Health Products with Dell Tech’s expert guidance. Our 40+ years of industry experience positions us perfectly to support Canada’s natural health product sector. We offer comprehensive services from licensing and testing to labelling and consulting. 

DELL TECH HAS PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTING SERVICES TO THE SPECIALTY CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN CANADA, THE USA, EUROPE AND ASIA FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS.