Navigating Canada’s health product regulations can feel a bit like solving a Rubik’s cube… in the dark… with one hand tied behind your back. Whether you’re launching a skincare serum, a herbal supplement, or a prescription-grade acne treatment, getting the classification right is crucial. Health Canada uses specific definitions to sort products into three main categories: cosmetics, natural health products (NHPs), and medications (or drugs). Misclassifying your product doesn’t just slow things down—it can derail your entire launch.

This article breaks down the essentials. We’ll walk you through how Health Canada defines each category, what factors affect classification, and how much it’ll cost you to get that all-important approval. Plus, we’ll talk strategy—how to handle grey areas and how a regulatory partner like Integrative Consulting Group can take the stress out of importing, licensing, and even logistics. Sound good? Let’s get into it.