Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) six-month calendar of activities: January to June, 2016

This calendar presents an overview of anticipated NNHPD review activities, publications, workshops and meetings, for the period covering January to June 2016.

The Directorate will make every effort to complete the following list of activities within the timeline provided. However, projects may change or be delayed due to shifting priorities.

This document is intended to supplement other information on activities provided by the NNHPD. Visit us at What's New to find information on new and recent releases.

1.0 Consultations

Some of the documents listed below may be published in final form during the same six-month period, depending on the length and timing of consultations.

New monographs

  • Oral Adult Nasal Decongestant Labelling Standard (will be finalized based on comments received from consultation)
  • First-Aid Antiseptic
  • Finalization and publication of NHP monographs

Updates to existing monographs

  • Antiseptic Skin Cleansers (will be finalized based on comments received from consultation)
  • Acne Therapy

Management of product licence applications for natural health products policy

As previously noted, the NNHPD continues to work on revising the application management policy. The revisions will include added clarity on processes and requirements when making a product licence application, as well as provide additional updates. The NNHPD aims to consult on the updated policy in Winter/Spring 2016.

Summary of comments received on the Consumer Health Products Framework

Health Canada consulted on the Consumer Health Products Framework from November 2014 to February 2015. A summary of the comments received during that consultation will be published.

2.0 Workshops and meetings

  • The NNHPD plans to host several webinar information sessions in early 2016 that will focus on key revisions and updates to the site licensing guidance documents and forms.
  • The NNHPD also plans to host a series of webinars in Winter/Spring 2016 that will focus on revisions to the application management policy.
  • Ongoing bilateral meetings with stakeholder associations: Consumer Health Products Canada, Canadian Health Food Association, Canadian Homeopathic Pharmaceutical Association, Canadian Natural Products Association, Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, Direct Sellers Association, Traditional Chinese Medicines Community, and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

3.0 Update from previous calendar

  • Final versions of the site licensing documents (Site Licensing Guidance Document, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidance Document and Quality Assurance Report (QAR) Forms) were posted on December 1, 2015.  The published service standards will come into effect for any new submissions received on or after April 1, 2016.
  • Between January and June 2014, Health Canada launched consultations on a revised approach to site licensing. Health Canada is considering feedback from the pilot in the context of ongoing policy work on an aligned approach to consumer health products intended for self-care.

4.0 Other Announcements

  • The NNHPD will be moving its offices from the Qualicum location to a new location in Spring 2016. More information will follow as it becomes available.
  • As part of the government-wide email transformation initiative to standardize email accounts, the NNHPD transitioned individual’s email addresses from “@hc-sc.gc.ca” to “@canada.ca” in October 2015. To verify NNHPD employee contact information, please visit the Government Electronic Directory Services (GEDS) at GET2.0. Please note that generic email addresses, such as Ingredient_Support@hc-sc.gc.ca, have not yet transitioned, and remain “@hc-sc.gc.ca”.

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