NPN Application Fee Update: Health Canada Confirms No New NPN Application Fees in 2025

Health Canada has issued an important clarification regarding the proposed cost recovery fees for Natural Health Products (NHPs), including the previously proposed NPN application fee. Although the department published a revised fee proposal on March 27, 2024, with a planned seven-year phase-in period and a targeted coming into force date of December 1, 2025, the fees have not been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Without this publication, the NPN application fee cannot be legally implemented.

As a result, NHP licences remain free, and the NPN application fee will not begin in 2025. There is no better time to apply for NHP licences if you need one.

Understanding the NPN Application Fee

In May 2023, Health Canada opened a public consultation on its initial NHP fee proposal. This proposal included the concept of an NPN application fee. After receiving significant stakeholder feedback, a revised fee structure was released in March 2024. The revised proposal included phased implementation. It indicated that official fees, including any NPN application fee, would be finalized through publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Since this publication has not occurred, no new fees can legally take effect, and the NPN application fee remains on hold.

Current Government Focus and Its Impact

Health Canada has clarified the proposed cost recovery fees for Natural Health Products (NHPs). The revised fee proposal, published on March 27, 2024, included a planned seven-year phase-in period. However, the fees have not yet been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Without this publication, the NPN application fee cannot be legally implemented. As a result, cost recovery for NHPs, including any NPN application fee, will not begin on December 1, 2025.

Key Initiatives and Future Directions

In September 2025, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada published their Red Tape Review report. This report outlined upcoming policy and regulatory reforms that will directly affect the timing and design of any future NPN application fee. Key initiatives include:

• A simplified registration pathway for certain NHPs and Non-Prescription Drugs (NPDs), reducing pre-market requirements where post-market oversight is more appropriate.

• Flexible, risk-based vigilance requirements for all NHPs and NPDs.

• More flexible labelling regulations for NHPs.

• Modernized, streamlined regulations for NPDs to accelerate product approvals.

  
  

Health Canada has confirmed that its immediate priority is implementing these adjustments. The NPN application fee proposal will be revisited only after these regulatory and program changes are completed. These changes will influence the overall costing model of the NHP program.

Implications for the Industry

No NPN application fee or other NHP government fees will be charged on December 1, 2025.

Regulatory modernization efforts may eventually lead to streamlined submissions and a reduced administrative burden in the future. A revised cost recovery proposal, including any future NPN application fee, is expected after program updates are finalized. Stakeholder engagement will continue as changes progress.

Our firm will continue to monitor all announcements from the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD). We will provide timely updates to help clients plan their regulatory and commercialization strategies.

Preparing for Future Changes

For any questions about your NPN applications, site licences, or compliance planning, please contact us. We can help you navigate upcoming changes and prepare for any future introduction of an NPN application fee.

Stay informed and proactive. The landscape of health and veterinary products is evolving, and being prepared is essential for success.

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