Drug identification number

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Any product defined as a drug under the Canadian Food and Drugs Act must have an associated drug identification number (or DIN).{{cn|date=July 2019}} A DIN also pertains to veterinary drugs permitted for sale in Canada.{{cite web |title=Vaccine and Drug Use Policy |url=https://www.cpc-ccp.com/drug-use-policy |publisher=Canadian Pork Council |accessdate=5 July 2019}}

The drug identification number (DIN) is the 8 digit number located on the label of prescription and over-the-counter drug products that have been evaluated by the Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) and approved for sale in Canada.{{cn|date=July 2019}}

Once a drug has been approved, the Therapeutic Products Directorate issues a DIN, which permits the manufacturer to market the drug in Canada. For drugs, where there is minimal market history in Canada, there is a more stringent review and the drug is required to have a Notice of Compliance and a DIN in order to be marketed in Canada.{{cn|date=July 2019}}

A DIN lets the user know that the product has undergone and passed a review of its formulation, labeling, and instructions for use. A drug product sold in Canada without a DIN is not in compliance with Canadian law, with limited exceptions, such as foreign drug products imported under emergency authorization.{{cite web |title=Drug Identification Number (DIN) |date=8 January 2001 |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/fact-sheets/drug-identification-number.html |publisher=Government of Canada |accessdate=20 June 2021}}{{cite web |title=Importing and exporting health products for commercial use (GUI-0117) |date=23 December 2020 |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/compliance-enforcement/importation-exportation/commercial-use-health-products-guidance/document.html#sec62 |publisher=Government of Canada |accessdate=20 June 2021}}

The DIN is also a tool to help in the follow-up of products on the market, recall of products, inspections, and quality monitoring.

A drug product can be looked up via its DIN with the Health Canada's Drug Product Database (DPD) to find specific information of drugs approved by the Ministry.{{cite book|author=Michael Gabay|title=The Clinical Practice of Drug Information|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZH6HCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA53|date=10 March 2015|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|isbn=978-1-284-02623-8|pages=53–}}