Health Canada issued an advisory notice under the Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) interim measure. As of January 15, 2021, Health Canada will stop accepting notification forms for hand sanitizers under the interim measure pathway.
New notification forms no longer accepted
This interim measure took effect in March 2020 to meet the urgent need for hand sanitizers and hard-surface disinfectants. As of January 15, 2021, we are no longer accepting new notification forms for the exceptional release of hand sanitizers through this interim measure. Companies that wish to import or manufacture hand sanitizers must now use the standard process to obtain the relevant licence. Under this interim measure:
- notification forms for hard-surface disinfectants will continue to be accepted until the supply of hard-surface disinfectants stabilizes
- companies with hand sanitizers previously accepted will still be able to import, manufacture and sell these products
Products previously accepted under the interim measure will continue to be allowed to be imported and/or sold; however, no new applications for hand sanitizers will be accepted post- January 15, 2021.Notification forms for hand sanitizer products that contain complete and accurate information and submitted prior to January 15, 2021, will continue to be processed.
No changes are being made to the interim measure process for exceptional release regarding hard surface disinfectants at this time. Health Canada will continue to accept notification forms for hard surface disinfectants under this interim measure, until the supply of these products stabilizes.
Health Canada will provide advance notice to companies that received a confirmation email of acceptance through the interim measure, outlining the process when the interim measure expires. As such, no action is required for companies who submit complete applications before January 15, 2021.
Notification forms for hard surface disinfectants will continue to be accepted under this interim measure until the regular supply of these products stabilizes. Health Canada will monitor the supply and demand of hard surface disinfectant and hand sanitizer products in Canada and will communicate all changes regarding the market landscape, as necessary.
For information or assistance contact Health Canada by email at hc.covid19healthproducts-produitsdesante.sc@canada.ca