A Foreign Site Reference Number (FSRN) is generally issued by Health Canada to foreign sites that manufacture, package, or label Natural Health Products (NHPs). It confirms partial compliance with GMP requirements under Part 3 of the NHP regulations.

A FSRN is not mandatory, is not a site license and does not allow foreign sites to export directly to Canada without a licensed Canadian importer.

What’s changing?

HC is discontinuing the FSRN process to streamline site licensing and to simplify and consolidate the submission process.

Confidentiality of submitted information will be maintained with the use of direct communication between Health Canada and foreign sites as needed.

Effective February 16, 2026:

  • New FSRN applications will not be accepted
  • Existing FSRNs will be marked as ‘discontinued’
  • GMP evidence for foreign sites must be submitted through the site license process
  • References to FSRNs will be removed from guidance documents

Foreign warehouses no longer need to be listed on site licenses and the ones already listed will be removed when the license is updated as a part of an amendment or renewal. However, they must still meet all applicable GMP requirements.

Contact us if you need further understanding of this updated process and its impact on your business.