Regulatory compliance helps ensure that veterinary health products sold in Canada are safe, appropriately labelled, and supported by acceptable evidence. Compliance also protects manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and pet owners by reducing the risk of enforcement actions, product removals, and marketplace restrictions.
Many retailers, distributors, and online marketplaces increasingly require proof that a veterinary product has been properly notified through Health Canada's Veterinary Health Product Notification Program.
Obtaining a Notification Number demonstrates that your product has been reviewed according to Health Canada's VHP requirements and can help build credibility with consumers and business partners.
GNHP Consulting helps companies navigate VHP regulatory requirements efficiently and confidently.
The Veterinary Health Product (VHP) Notification Program is administered by Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD).
The program allows companies to market eligible low-risk veterinary health products after submitting a notification and receiving a Notification Number (NN).
Unlike veterinary drugs, VHPs do not undergo a full pre-market approval process. Instead, companies notify Health Canada that their product meets the requirements of the VHP Program, including the use of ingredients found on the List of Permitted Substances.
The program was created to improve access to low-risk products that support the health and well-being of animals.
Yes.
Most Veterinary Health Products sold in Canada require a valid Notification Number (NN) before they can be legally marketed.
The Notification Number confirms that the product has been accepted into Health Canada's VHP Notification Program and must appear on the product label.
Without a Notification Number, your product may face importation issues, retailer rejection, marketplace restrictions, or regulatory enforcement actions.
Online marketplaces increasingly require proof that regulated products comply with applicable Canadian regulations.
For Veterinary Health Products, a valid Notification Number helps demonstrate that your product is authorized for sale in Canada.
Amazon and other e-commerce platforms may request evidence of regulatory compliance, product authorization, or labelling compliance before allowing products to remain listed.
Obtaining a Notification Number helps reduce the risk of listing removals, account issues, or customer complaints regarding regulatory status.
GNHP Consulting regularly assists Amazon sellers and international brands entering the Canadian marketplace.
The VHP notification process generally involves:
A well-prepared submission can help avoid delays, requests for clarification, or rejection.
The List of Permitted Substances (LoPS) is a Health Canada database of ingredients that may be used in Veterinary Health Products.
Each permitted substance includes conditions such as:
Products containing ingredients not included on the List of Permitted Substances generally cannot be notified until the ingredient has been successfully added to the list.
GNHP Consulting assists companies with LoPS assessments and applications for new ingredient additions.
The VHP Program currently includes a wide range of animal species, including:
Eligibility depends on the specific ingredient and claim listed within the List of Permitted Substances.
Veterinary Health Products are low-risk substances intended to maintain or promote animal health.
Examples may include:
Products intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent serious diseases generally fall outside the VHP Program and may be regulated as veterinary drugs.
Permitted claims must be supported by the conditions outlined in the List of Permitted Substances.
Examples may include claims related to:
Disease treatment, cure, prevention, or therapeutic drug-like claims are generally not permitted within the VHP Program.
Claim wording must be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance.
VHP labels must comply with Health Canada requirements and generally include:
Labels must accurately reflect the information submitted to Health Canada.
Improper labelling is one of the most common reasons notifications require revisions.
GNHP Consulting provides comprehensive VHP label reviews and compliance assessments.
No.
Notification Numbers do not require annual renewal.
However, companies must maintain compliance with Health Canada requirements and notify Health Canada of certain changes that may affect the original notification.
Significant formulation, ingredient, claim, or labelling changes may require a new notification.
Yes, fees are associated with Veterinary Health Product (VHP) notifications submitted to Health Canada.
Key Fee Details
There are Small Business Reductions
Qualifying small businesses are eligible for fee mitigations, which include a 50% reduction on applicable notification fees and a one-time fee waiver for your very first submission.
In addition, businesses should budget for:
Investing in proper regulatory preparation can significantly reduce costly delays and resubmissions.
All establishments involved in the product supply chain should be identified in the notification, including:
Providing complete and accurate establishment information helps ensure a smooth review process and reduces the likelihood of requests for additional information.
Whether you are launching a new pet supplement, importing products into Canada, selling on Amazon, or assessing ingredient eligibility, GNHP Consulting can help you navigate Health Canada's Veterinary Health Product requirements.
Our team provides end-to-end support for ingredient assessments, label compliance reviews, Notification Number applications, and regulatory strategy for both Canadian and international companies.
Contact GNHP Consulting today to discuss your Veterinary Health Product project.
