Health Canada: NNHPD to align emerging viral pathogens policy to US EPA

Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) announced it is to align its emerging viral pathogens policy with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This interim policy will assist in expanding the availability of products that meet Health Canada’s criteria for expedited processing. This new policy will also assist in creating consistencies in both the US and Canada’s lists of disinfectant products to use against coronavirus.

Under Health Canada’s emerging viral pathogens claim manufacturers can make indirect efficacy claims for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, if the product:

1. Is already registered
2. Has broad-spectrum virucide labeling
3. Has specific claims against non-enveloped viruses (example: picornaviridae, caliciviridae, astroviridae, reoviridae, or papillomaviridae families)
4. Has claims against specific coronavirus

(MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, human coronavirus strain 229E)

Not only will Health Canada expedite reviews of disinfectant applications, but it will also do the same for hand sanitizers.

The current list from Health Canada is linked here and will be

How TSG can help

Our consultants have been working closely with Health Canada to remain on top of all new policies and guidances released in response to this public health outbreak. TSG’s consultants have experience with registering both surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers in Canada. Our consultants can review labels and labeling claims, check ingredient lists, as well as help get Health Canada emerging viral pathogens claim for your product.