Health Canada recently issued an invitation for comments for a proposed new approach to regulate the entire range of self-care products (i.e., those products directly available without a health care practitioner prescription, which includes cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs and natural health products). Health Canada noted self-care products are often grouped together in stores based on their intended use and may have similar packaging with claims that they treat the same conditions, potentially misleading consumers to believe that these products are all equally effective and subject to the same legal requirements.

Health Canada believes revision of the regulations would support more informed decision making through three main proposals: (1) products with similar risk profiles would be treated in a similar manner; (2) Health Canada would review health claims based on a new standard requiring companies to provide scientific proof to support health claims; and (3) it would use a risk-based approach to compliance and safety monitoring. CRN’s ITMDC, in consultation with members and other U.S. and Canadian trade associations, is developing comments to help shape these developing regulations.For more information, contact Jim Griffiths (202-204-7662).

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