The Federal Government is currently considering alterations that would impose significant fees and monitoring on natural health products. Should these changes be enacted, they could overwhelm beloved natural health brands with excessive regulations, potentially leading to soaring prices for these items—or worse, forcing them off Canadian shelves entirely.
Leading the charge, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is encouraging Canadians to advocate for their right to access natural health products through the Save Our Supplements campaign.
Now is the time to take action—before July 26, 2023—by sending a letter to your Member of Parliament (MP) using an easy form from the SOS campaign. Then, spread the news!
Examining the Proposed Changes
Currently, natural health products in Canada are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR). All such products must receive Health Canada’s approval before they can be sold legally in Canada and must feature a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on their labels, which assures Canadians that the products they use are safe, effective, and of high quality.
These regulations, which were implemented in 2004, arose from comprehensive consultations reflecting Canadians’ desires for a tailored regulatory framework suitable for the particular circumstances and lower risk associated with natural health products. Nearly two decades later, Canada remains the only nation with a specific set of regulations governing these products.
However, significant changes are on the horizon.
Proposed new regulations are likely to overburden many small and medium businesses with unrealistic cost recovery fees and burdensome labeling requirements. These demands could lead to an increase in package sizes—resulting in less recyclable products—contradicting the sustainability efforts of many natural health advocates.
Implications for Consumers
Rising Costs and Limited Availability
As if inflation hasn’t already driven prices of preferred products through the roof, these proposed modifications to Canada’s natural health sector are poised to create further price hikes. In fact, they could eliminate your favorite brands from the marketplace entirely.
Reduced Selection of Products
With the additional complexity and expense of compliance, brands will need to reassess their product lines, potentially discontinuing items that no longer prove profitable.
- Over 70% of surveyed brands in Canada indicated they would have to withdraw products from the marketplace if the proposed regulations are implemented.
- One in five natural health brands indicated that they would seriously think about exiting the Canadian market should these new rules receive approval.
This means Canadian consumers would face fewer choices when shopping for natural health products.
Innovation Stifled
In addition to fewer product options overall, the new measures could deter the introduction of innovative products and the entry of international brands into the Canadian market.
Negative Impact on Local Businesses
A recent survey revealed that 83% of companies believe they will be unable to meet the expected costs of compliance. This scenario signals that many small local businesses could be driven out of the market.
Increased Packaging and Waste Production
The recently suggested changes will significantly elevate packaging requirements for your favorite natural health products, which will adversely affect recyclability and impact the environment negatively.
Take Action Now!
Defend your access to supplements and natural health products.
Make Your Opinion Count
Inform your Member of Parliament (MP) before July 26, 2023, that you want to prevent Health Canada from restricting your natural health products. Send your letter to your MP today—it only takes two minutes!
Share the Message
There is strength in unity—let’s converse about this issue. Encourage your friends, family, and social circles to take a stand against Health Canada’s plans regarding natural health products. For tools to help raise awareness in your community, download the SOS campaign Action Kit.
Any Questions?
For inquiries, feel free to reach out to the CHFA at [emailprotected].
