Health Canada Introduces Workload Management Form for Class II & III NHP Licence Applications

Introduction

Health Canada’s Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) has introduced a new Workload Management Form (WMF) requirement for Class II and III Natural Health Product (NHP) licence applications and amendments. This update, effective in 2025, aims to improve transparency, predictability, and efficiency in the review process. For manufacturers, importers, and brand owners, understanding this change is crucial to avoid delays and maintain priority status during the licensing process.

Why Health Canada Introduced the Workload Management Form

The NNHPD has seen a growing volume of NHP submissions. The traditional ‘first-come, first-served’ review model caused unpredictability and long wait times. The new workload management system helps Health Canada:

• Prioritize applications that are close to market or manufacturing readiness
• Allocate resources strategically for faster review times
• Increase transparency by requiring applicants to declare their readiness and intent

Who Must Submit the Workload Management Form

The WMF applies to Class II and Class III NHP applications — both new submissions and amendments.

Class III applications: In effect since March 5, 2025. Applicants have 15 days after receiving their submission number to file the WMF.

Class II applications: In effect since June 9, 2025. Applicants have 7 days to file the WMF after receiving their acknowledgement letter.

Submissions received before these dates remain under the old queue-based system.

Two Versions of the Workload Management Form

Depending on your business plan, you must submit one of the following:

1. Workload Management Form – Products Sold in Canada: For NHPs intended for sale in Canada within six months of licensing.
2. Workload Management Form – Manufactured in Canada: For products that will be manufactured in Canada within six months, even if not sold domestically.

Both forms must be signed by an Authorized Signing Official and include: Company name and code, submission number, product brand name, declaration of intent, timeline, and contact information.

How Applications Are Prioritized

To qualify for prioritization, your application must meet at least one of the following:

• The product will be sold in Canada within six months of licensing.
• The product will be manufactured in Canada within six months.
• The application is a safety-driven amendment (Class III only).

Consequences of Missing or Incorrect WMF Submission

Failure to submit the WMF on time (7 or 15 days depending on class) or submitting incorrect information can result in:

• Loss of priority status
• Delayed or unpredictable review timelines
• Rejection or the need for resubmission
• Missed commercialization opportunities

Timely and accurate WMF submission is now a mandatory step for all Class II and III applications.

How Fiducia Globus Can Support You

At Fiducia Globus, we specialize in regulatory and compliance support for Natural Health Products in Canada and the U.S.

Our expert consultants can help you:

✅ Prepare and submit the Workload Management Form correctly and on time

✅ Assess your eligibility for prioritization under Health Canada’s new framework

✅ Align your commercial and manufacturing strategy with regulatory timelines

✅ Manage your entire NHP licensing process — from classification and evidence gathering to submission, amendment, and post-licence compliance

With our experience in regulatory submissions and Health Canada communication, we ensure your products move through the approval process efficiently and compliantly.

Key Takeaway

Health Canada’s Workload Management Form marks a major shift toward a more strategic and transparent review system for NHPs. Companies that plan early, declare their market intent clearly, and file their forms correctly will benefit from faster, predictable reviews. Partnering with Fiducia Globus helps ensure your submissions are compliant, prioritized, and positioned for success.

Get Expert Help with Your NHP Application

Contact Fiducia Globus today to learn how we can help you navigate Health Canada’s new workload management requirements and keep your NHPs compliant and market-ready.