Canada · Supplements

Supplement Testing in Canada

A practical guide to Supplement Testing for supplements sold in Canada: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Products may need testing for potency, contaminants, and prohibited substances; Online sellers listing supplements for buyers in Canada

Authority

Health Canada

Legal basis

Natural Health Products Regulations

Local representative

A local notifying entity is required

Timeline

Before sale; notification review takes weeks

Cost

Dossier and testing costs vary by ingredient

If you do not comply

Seizure, fines, and listing removal

Who needs this

Products may need testing for potency, contaminants, and prohibited substances
Online sellers listing supplements for buyers in Canada

Documents you need

Potency and contaminant test report
Ingredient and dosage review
Product information file
GMP certificate

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Potency and contaminant test report
Ingredient and dosage review
Product information file
GMP certificate

How to comply

Test potency and contaminants per batch
Check whether ingredients are permitted locally
Prepare the product information file
Register or notify where required

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Supplement Testing — Canada
Product category: Supplements
Authority: Health Canada
Legal basis: Natural Health Products Regulations

Documents we already have:
  1. Potency and contaminant test report
  2. Ingredient and dosage review
  3. Product information file
  4. GMP certificate

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Supplement Testing in Canada?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale; notification review takes weeks.

Dossier and testing costs vary by ingredient.

Common rejection reasons

Potency below the labelled amount
Ingredient not permitted
Claims too strong for the category
Label missing required warnings

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.