Health Canada issued a reminder that Interim Order No. 2 Respecting Drugs, Medical Devices and Foods for a Special Dietary Purpose in relation to COVID-19, which allowed certain surface disinfectants, defined as designated biocides, which may not fully meet regulatory requirements, to be imported and sold in Canada under the provisions of the interim order (IO), will expire on March 1st, 2022.
However, Health Canada will allow the exceptional importation of designated biocides to continue until September 30th, 2022. This news is critical for importers who are grappling with supply chain delays, as it gives them time to continue importing goods that would otherwise be forbidden.
This IO came into force on March 1st, 2021. Further information on this IO can be found in the explanatory note. IOs expire one year after they are enacted by the minister.
Based on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, and its effect on the supply chain, Health
Canada will delay the end date by which importers of products on the List of Biocides for Exceptional Importation and Sale must cease importation. Products on this list are considered ‘designated biocides’.
As of March 1st, 2022, the Interim Order No. 2 Respecting Drugs, Medical Devices and Foods for a Special Dietary Purpose in relation to COVID-19 will expire. This means
- Health Canada will not accept any new applications for exceptional importation and sale of biocides as of March 1st, 2022.
Health Canada is implementing the following measures for designated biocides that were previously accepted to the List of Biocides for Exceptional Importation and Sale under the IO:
- Exceptional importation of designated biocides will be permitted until September 30th, 2022.
- Distribution of these products will be permitted to retail facilities until December 31st, 2022.
Retail sale and use at the institutional level will be permitted until product in stock has been exhausted or has expired.
If you have any questions, please contact Health Canada by email at:
hc.prsd-questionsdspr.sc@canada.ca.
Associated links:
Notice: Regulations amending certain regulations concerning drugs and medical devices (shortages)