Quick answer: an NPN (Natural Product Number) is an eight-digit number that Health Canada assigns to a natural health product after reviewing its safety, quality and recommended use. To check one, search the number in Health Canada’s Licensed Natural Health Products Database (LNHPD) and compare the result with the label: product name, ingredients, dose, recommended use and warnings should match.
What counts as a natural health product?
In Canada, vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, probiotics, amino acids, essential fatty acids and similar products are regulated as natural health products (NHPs) under the Natural Health Products Regulations. That includes liposomal vitamin C, glutathione, magnesium and most other products covered on Liposomal.ca.
Before an NHP can be sold in Canada, the company must obtain a product licence. Once licensed, the product receives:
- NPN (Natural Product Number) for most natural health products, or
- DIN-HM (Homeopathic Medicine Number) for homeopathic products.
Products regulated as drugs, such as prescription medicines and many over-the-counter drugs, carry a DIN (Drug Identification Number) instead.
What an NPN tells you
- Health Canada has reviewed evidence that the product is safe when used as directed.
- The recommended uses (“claims”) on the label have been assessed.
- The ingredients, doses, directions and warnings have been approved.
- The product must be made in a licensed facility following good manufacturing practices.
What it does not mean: an NPN is not a guarantee that a product works better than another, that it is right for you, or that a liposomal product absorbs better than a regular one. Absorption claims are a separate question (see Liposomal vs Regular).
Step-by-step: how to verify an NPN
- Find the number on the label. It usually appears on the front or side panel as “NPN 80012345” (eight digits).
- Open the LNHPD. Search “Licensed Natural Health Products Database” or go to Health Canada’s website.
- Search by product number. Enter the eight digits. You can also search by product name or company.
- Compare the record with the label:
- product name and company,
- medicinal ingredients and amounts per dose,
- recommended use, dose and duration,
- cautions, warnings and contraindications.
- Check the status. The record should show the licence as active. If the product cannot be found, the numbers do not match or the licence is cancelled, do not buy it.
Red flags
- No NPN or DIN on a supplement sold to Canadians by a Canadian store or website.
- An NPN that doesn’t match: different product name, ingredients or dose in the database.
- Disease claims such as “cures,” “treats cancer” or “replaces medication.” Licensed products may only make the claims approved for them.
- Labels only in one language for products sold in Canadian retail. Licensed products must be labelled in English and French.
- Very cheap overseas listings on marketplaces with no Canadian importer or licence holder named.
What about products ordered from abroad?
Many liposomal products are sold online by sellers outside Canada. Health Canada’s guidance generally allows individuals to bring in a limited personal supply of a health product (typically up to a 90-day supply) for their own use, but unlicensed products have not been reviewed for safety or quality, and the border agency can refuse or seize shipments. Health Canada regularly publishes advisories about unauthorised health products found to contain undeclared drugs. When in doubt, choose a licensed product from a Canadian retailer.
Report a problem
If you think a health product caused a side effect, tell your health professional and report it to Health Canada through MedEffect Canada. You can also report products sold illegally or with misleading claims to Health Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Does an NPN mean a product is approved like a drug?
No. Natural health products follow a separate licensing pathway with evidence requirements based on the product’s risk and claims. It is a meaningful check on safety and quality, but it is not the same as drug approval.
Do liposomal products need a special licence?
No. They need the same product licence as any other natural health product containing those ingredients. The liposomal format may be described on the label.
Why can’t I find a product by name?
Try searching by NPN, the company name or a shorter version of the product name. Brand names on packaging can differ slightly from the licensed name.
Sources
- Health Canada. Natural Health Products Regulations and product licensing guidance.
- Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database (LNHPD).
- Health Canada. MedEffect Canada adverse reaction reporting.
- Health Canada. Recalls and safety alerts on unauthorised health products.
This article is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
