Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
Fee: $295 Members / $395 Non Members
Presented by CA Member Gowling WLG
Finished product specifications are a fundamental component of Natural Health Product (NHP) GMP compliance. But establishing appropriate specifications involves much more than simply identifying a list of tests. What needs to be considered? How are appropriate tests and acceptance criteria identified? And when can testing be reduced or replaced by other controls?
This practical GMP training session will take participants through the process of developing and evaluating finished product specifications, with a focus on applying Health Canada’s requirements in practice.
From Regulatory Requirements to Practical Specifications
Presented by Dr. Jon-Paul Powers, Partner and Scientific Advisor at Gowling WLG, this session will use practical examples to explore the considerations that go into establishing specifications based on the product, its ingredients, dosage form and associated quality risks.
The goal is to move beyond simply understanding what a finished product specification is and help participants develop a practical framework for establishing and evaluating specifications within their own GMP programs.
Join this practical training session to:
- Understand the regulatory and GMP requirements for NHP finished product specifications
- Learn how to determine which tests, methods and acceptance criteria should be considered when developing finished product specifications
- Understand how specifications for identity, quantity, purity and other product-specific requirements are established
- Understand when finished product testing is required and when alternative approaches may be appropriate
- Identify common gaps and deficiencies in finished product specifications
A short quiz will be administered at the end of the session. Participation in the quiz—and eligibility to receive a training certificate upon successful completion—is limited to individuals who have registered electronically through the LogMeIn© GoTo Training program.
Presenter
Jon-Paul Powers, PhD
Partner & Scientific Advisor, Gowling WLG
Dr. Jon-Paul Powers works with the Gowling WLG Food & Beverage Group, where he advises clients on a range of complex scientific, regulatory and compliance matters pertaining to foods, supplemented foods, natural health products, cosmetics and pet supplements. In addition to product and site requirements, Dr. Powers assists clients in need of scientific support pertaining to health claim substantiation and marketing, health risk assessments, product testing and quality management systems.
Prior to joining the firm, Dr. Powers was the owner and president of Split Science Inc., a Canadian scientific and regulatory consultancy. He has worked directly for Canadian manufacturers and distributors of foods and natural health products where he was responsible for all aspects of regulatory affairs and quality management.
Dr. Powers has also served as a unit head and assessment officer at the Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada, where his main responsibilities were the evaluation of clinical trial and product license applications, as well as providing strategic scientific guidance to senior officials.
