Import and export of drugs and health products: Compliance and enforcement
Importing and exporting health products is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and its associated Regulations. Some health products may also have additional restrictions placed on them by other Acts and Regulations.
On this page
- Health product import and export laws and regulations
- Notice
- Forms
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Guidance documents and policies
Health product import and export laws and regulations
The import and export of health products are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and its associated Regulations. These laws and regulations apply to:
- human drugs
- medical devices
- veterinary drugs
- natural health products
- veterinary health products
- blood and blood components for transfusion
- human cells, tissues and organs for transplant
Some health products have additional restrictions placed on them by other Acts such as the:
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its associated Regulations
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Where 2 different restrictions or requirements exist, such as the quantity allowed for importation, the most restrictive or prescriptive rule will apply. The import and export requirements of sperm and ova for assisted conception are outlined in the Assisted Human Reproduction Act.
Notice
- Prescription status of edaravone and personal importation: Notice of update [2021-09-29]
- Toronto 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games - Importing and Exporting Controlled Substances, Precursor Chemicals and Therapeutic Products
- Advance notice of importation process for cosmetics and drugs
- Best practices on advance notice of importation process for cosmetics and drugs
Forms
- Good Manufacturing Practices - Audit Report Form (FRM-0211)
- Good Manufacturing Practices - Audit Report Form (FRM-0211) Instructions for Completing the form
- Good Manufacturing Practices - Request for an Inspection of a Foreign Site Form (FRM-0213)
- Good Manufacturing Practices - Foreign Site Inspection Services Agreement Form (FRM-0214)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Importation and Exportation Questions and Answers
- Frequently Asked Questions - Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate
Guidance documents and policies
- Guidance on obtaining electronic certificates of pharmaceutical product and good manufacturing practices (GUI-0024)
- Guide to the exceptional importation and sale of drugs in response to drug shortages (GUI-0148) [2022-02-21]
- Guide to distributing drugs intended for the Canadian market for consumption or use outside Canada (GUI-0145) [2021-11-10]
- Guidance on Evidence to Demonstrate Drug Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance of Foreign Sites (GUI-0080) [2009-09-01]
- PIC/S Annex 1: Explanatory Notes for Industry on the Preparation of a Site Master file [2008-01-18]
- Conditions for Provision of Packaging/Labelling Services for Drugs under Foreign Ownership (GUI-0067) [2004-05-01]