Recently last year in October 2025, Health Canada released an update to the Drug and Health Product Inspection Database (DHPID) which now supports the search of inspection results by Site License holder name or inspection reference number. The DHPID is a new searchable database created by Health Canada to enhance regulatory transparency and support open government. Since it was released, we have continued seeing information regularly posted about the results of every site license inspection, which has great benefits for Canadians interested in working with or importing Natural Health Products. The searchable database allows the public to access summaries of drug inspections, including the overall inspection rating and key observations, supporting regulatory transparency. As described in Health Canada’s bulletin, this is in line with Health Canada’s initiatives of maintaining transparency of the regulation process for Natural Health Products, similar to other products such as drugs, medical devices, and cannabis: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/applications-submissions/site-licensing/bulletin/october-29-2025.html
Understanding DHPID
The Drug and Health Product Inspections Database (DHPID) is a comprehensive, publicly accessible resource managed by Health Canada. This database provides detailed records of inspections conducted at health product establishments across Canada, including facilities that manufacture, test, import, and distribute wholesale drugs. By making this information available, Health Canada reinforces its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance within the drug and health product sector.
We expect the DHPID to play a crucial role in supporting the integrity of the Canadian health product supply chain. It allows stakeholders to verify that health product establishments meet the rigorous standards set out by Health Canada, ensuring that drugs and health products imported, tested, or distributed in Canada adhere to high safety and quality requirements. The database is a valuable tool for companies, regulators, and consumers alike, offering insight into the inspection process and the compliance status of various sites.
Through the DHPID, Health Canada enables open access to inspection data, which not only supports regulatory oversight but also empowers businesses to make informed decisions when selecting partners or suppliers. This level of transparency helps maintain public trust in the health product inspections process and upholds the safety of drugs and health products available to Canadians.
New Additions from Health Canada
The Drug and Health Product Inspection database lists information about all site license inspections performed by the Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch. Health Canada requires a drug establishment license (DEL) and a licence number for facilities to conduct activities such as manufacturing, packaging, labeling, testing, importing, distribution, or wholesaling of drugs, including finished dosage forms, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and raw materials. Health Canada licenses are required for companies that test, import, or distribute drugs manufactured domestically or by foreign manufacturers, and these activities are subject to regulatory requirements and regular GMP drug inspections. This new update aims to give Canadians more transparent information about the Natural Health Product inspection process. The enhanced DHPID supports Canadians who want to ensure that the Natural Health Products they manufacture, import, or purchase originate from compliant and reputable facilities. It also supports businesses seeking partners, suppliers, or contract manufacturers by offering clear insight into inspection histories and compliance performance.
The summary of observations clearly lists out all of the non-compliances or issues that were identified by Health Canada inspectors during the physical inspection of their site. Inspection observations, key observations, and deficiencies are documented in inspection report cards and report cards, which outline the overall compliance rating, non compliant rating if applicable, and compliance rating for each establishment. The inspection process includes on-site inspections by a ROEB inspector, who verifies requirements and notes deviations from good manufacturing practices (GMP) as outlined in Health Canada’s Good manufacturing practices guide for drug products (GUI-0001) and Good manufacturing practices for active pharmaceutical ingredients (GUI-0104). Health Canada may use GMP inspection results from trusted international regulatory partners to assess compliance of foreign sites and buildings with GMP requirements. After the inspection, an exit meeting is held, followed by the issuance of an inspection exit notice or exit notice, which documents the deficiencies and required corrective actions. At this point in the process, license holders are required to create and implement a corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) plan, which must include target dates and includes target dates for completion of corrective actions, and the written response to the exit notice should detail the CAPA plan using quality risk management principles.
Inspection Details and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
As part of Health Canada’s commitment to openness and transparency, it provides details on the initial deficiencies found during an inspection, which is posted within 3 days of an inspection. This information includes what section of the Canadian regulations are being referenced, with a brief explanation on the nature of the deficiency. The health products inspections database and inspection tracker provide up-to-date information on inspection dates, outcomes, and any emerging issues identified during inspections. Users can track the date of each inspection and monitor for any emerging issues that may impact regulatory compliance or public safety.
Within 30 days of the inspection being completed, a more detailed final report card is posted, with details about the inspection outcome and any measures taken by Health Canada. This includes what kind of compliance rating is issued, whether they are compliant/non-compliant, and whether their site and product licences were maintained/reinstated whenever relevant. In cases of serious or unresolved non-compliance, Health Canada may determine that an Intent to Suspend licences must be issued. The DHPID makes this information publicly available, reinforcing regulatory accountability and protecting public trust.
Conclusion of the Inspection Process
With this information freely available online on this Drug and Health Product Inspection Database, Health Canada has made inspection data easier to locate, interpret, and compare. Whether you are preparing for a Health Canada inspection, evaluating a third-party manufacturer, or planning to enter the Canadian market, this access to inspection intelligence is a vital resource that reduces risk and improves outcomes.
