--- title: "Single Window Initiative (SWI): Survival guide for Health Canada (HC) Human Drugs" description: Under the new SWI, it’s important that you understand which Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) are regulating your products. Some products are regulated by multiple PGAs, and the PGAs regulating your products may have changed under SWI. Additionally, each PGA and the CBSA can issue penalties for incorrect and missing documents. Understanding what information and documentation is needed for clearance will make the clearance process into Canada smoother and more efficient. image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Pills_97463280_m_edit.jpg --- - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) -   -   - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal) - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/) - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations) - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals) - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping) - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping) - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements) - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - Français - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cole_int_h_rgb.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) -   -   - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal) - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/) - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations) - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals) - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping) - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping) - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements) - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Home](https://www.coleintl.com/) - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Canadian Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [Cross-border Imports from U.S. into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-u-s-into-canada) - [Canadian Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/canadian-imports-by-ocean-or-air) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [U.S. Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage) - [Cross-border Imports from Canada into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-canada-into-the-u-s) - [U.S. Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/u-s-imports-by-ocean-or-air) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/free-trade-agreements) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [International Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/international-ocean-air) - [Cross-border/Domestic Freight](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/cross-border-domestic-freight) - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Canadian Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/canadian-customs-compliance) - [Audit Response Unit (ARU)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [U.S. Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/us-customs-compliance) - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/project-logistics-management) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/onlineportal/) - [U.S. Brokerage & Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [CDN Consulting Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/complianceportal/home.do) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [International Commercial Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [FAQ](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Learn More](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/learn-more) - [Overall Service Brochure](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/overall-service-brochure) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [CDN Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/cdn-trade-news) - [U.S. Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/usa-trade-news) - [eCommunications](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) - [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) - [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Français](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) × ### Request Info # Single Window Initiative (SWI): Survival guide for Health Canada (HC) Human Drugs Published: December 9,2020 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## The new SWI landscape The Single Window Initiative means several changes for importers: - how you need to submit documentation is in flux;![SWI\_Series\_04\_2020](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SWI_Series_04_2020.png?width=400&name=SWI_Series_04_2020.png) - when that documentation is needed has changed; and - which documentation is required is also shifting. Our goal is to help you understand what is expected for the new “how, when, and what” of SWI requirements relating to the items you ship. These updates guide importers through specific commodities or categories of commodities, and the Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) that are affected. ## How, when, and what - Single Window Initiative requires all import documentation to be prepared and submitted before the shipment reaches customs. - SWI is a new way of submitting documentation. All docs will be submitted using the Integrated Import Declaration (IID). Some of the requirements for how you submit are changing. For example: some documents that needed to be faxed now require an uploaded electronic image or just the document number. - There may be changes to which documents are required under SWI. - The launch date of SWI is still unknown, but it’s time to get proactive and adjust your workflow to ensure paperwork is ready before you ship. ## Why importers need to know Under the new SWI, it’s important that you understand which Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) are regulating your products. Some products are regulated by multiple PGAs, and the PGAs regulating your products may have changed under SWI. Additionally, each PGA and the CBSA can issue penalties for incorrect and missing documents. Understanding what information and documentation is needed for clearance will make the clearance process into Canada smoother and more efficient. ## Health Canada (HC) Human Drugs![SWI\_HC\_HumanDrugs](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SWI_HC_HumanDrugs.png?width=400&name=SWI_HC_HumanDrugs.png) The SWI data elements required for release from Health Canada’s (HC) Human Drugs program include: ## Intended end use The intended end-use of human drugs must be provided and, depending on the end use, additional details and documents may be required. - Human therapeutic use - Special access - Human clinical trial use - Research & development - Other ## Canadian product category Depending on the end use code selected, a Canadian product category must be provided: - Human drug other than radiopharmaceutical - Radiopharmaceutical - Phase I clinical trial drug - Phase II clinical trial drug - Phase III clinical trial drug - Phase IV clinical trial drug Human drugs with an end use of: - Human therapeutic use - Special access - Research & development - Other Require a Canadian product category of either: - Human drug other than radiopharmaceutical, or - Radiopharmaceutical Human drugs with an end use of: - Human clinical trial use Require a Canadian product category of either: - Phase I clinical trial drug, - Phase II clinical trial drug, - Phase III clinical trial drug, or - Phase IV clinical trial drug ## Document reference Although a copy of the documents are not mandatory at time of release, it is strongly suggested that you provide an image. - Establishment license (EL): establishment license number required - Drug identification (DI): drug identification number (DIN) - Letter of authorization (LOA): LOA number - Clinical trial no objections letter (CT NOL): CT NOL number ## Document type The required document type depends on several factors. Please read the following carefully to ensure you’re including the correct document type(s) for your product. - An establishment license and drug identification is required for human drugs with an end use of human therapeutic use that have a Canadian product category of Human drug other than radiopharmaceutical. - An establishment license is required for human drugs with an end use of human therapeutic use that have a Canadian product category of radiopharmaceutical. - A letter of authorization is required for human drugs with an end use of special access that have a Canadian product category of Human drug other than radiopharmaceutical. - A clinical trial no objection letter is required for human drugs with an end use of Human clinical trial use that have a Canadian product category of Phase I clinical trial drug, Phase II clinical trial drug, and Phase III clinical trial drug. - A drug identification is required for human drugs with an end use of Human clinical trial use that have a Canadian product category of Phase IV clinical trial drug. - No documentation is required for human drugs with an end use of research & development, or other. ## Brand name![Pills\_97463280\_m\_edit](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pills_97463280_m_edit.jpg?width=400&name=Pills_97463280_m_edit.jpg) The brand name of the commodity must be provided. Although the following elements are not mandatory for the release of the commodity, they may be asked for and should be supplied: - Manufacture date: the manufacture date may be required - Batch/lot number: the batch and lot number may be required - GTIN: Global Trade Identification Number. Active pharmaceutical ingredients can be identified through their GTIN GS1 Asset Identifier or UDI Number. GTIN number is not required to be submitted, but will give CBSA a clearer identification of the product. For SWI, being proactive is your best strategy—gather all your information and documentation as far in advance as possible. Importers who know the requirements for the products they’re importing, and understand the new processes under SWI, will have a much smoother import experience. As you adjust to the new requirements and workflow of the Single Window Initiative, we're here to help. Our customs team is ready to help you understand the SWI and its new requirements for your commodities—contact us today! [![Speak to our SWI Support Team](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/92ae372f-e63b-4263-8870-4ea1f1fac8e2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/92ae372f-e63b-4263-8870-4ea1f1fac8e2) **SWI. It's what we do.** [Back to blog list](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) [![Sign-Up | Cole Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1) ### Latest Articles - [Chinese holidays that disrupt shipping from China every year](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/chinese-holidays-that-disrupt-shipping-from-china-every-year) - [13 strategies to reduce your transportation costs](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/13-strategies-to-reduce-your-transportation-costs) - [4 mistakes to avoid when declaring value for duty](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-declaring-value-for-duty) - [Why 'reason to believe' catches Canadian importers off guard](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/why-reason-to-believe-catches-canadian-importers-off-guard) - [When and how to change a customs entry after import](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/when-and-how-to-change-a-customs-entry-after-import) ### Archive - [April 2026 (4)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/04) - [March 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026 (6)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (3)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2025/12) [Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/coleintl) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/) [Subscribe to our YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Get a quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cole-logo-horizontal-white.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) Cole International is a logistics solutions provider offering a full spectrum of services from customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing and trade consulting. #### Contact us today - [ Phone: 403-262-2771](tel:4032622771) - [ Toll Free: 1-800-313-4281](tel:18003134281) -  Fax: 403-262-7301 -  Accounting Fax: 403-262-8039 #### Corporate office 1111 49 Avenue NE Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 8V2 P.O. Box 2718, Station M Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 3C2 #### Stay connected - - - - - [![Image](https://coleintl.b-cdn.net/uploads/2025/10/02/mullen-group-white-logo-cropped.svg)](https://www.mullen-group.com/) Cole International Inc. is a subsidiary of Mullen Group Ltd. [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/ciffa-logo.png?width=106&height=30&name=ciffa-logo.png)](https://ciffa.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/FIATA-Logo.png?width=54&height=50&name=FIATA-Logo.png)](http://fiata.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/ncbfaa-logo.png?width=154&height=36&name=ncbfaa-logo.png)](https://www.ncbfaa.org/) [![marco polo line](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/marco-polo-line-logo.png?width=136&height=58&name=marco-polo-line-logo.png)](https://www.marcopololine.com/) [![cscb](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cscb-logo.png?width=85&height=36&name=cscb-logo.png)](https://cscb.ca/) © 2026 Cole International. All Rights Reserved. - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options.php) - [Legal](https://www.coleintl.com/legal.php) - [Service Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/service-terms.php) - [Accessibility](https://www.coleintl.com/services.php#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Customs Consulting Department", "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/author/customs-consulting-department" }, "dateModified" : "2020-12-09T16:00:00.601Z", "datePublished" : "2020-12-09T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Single Window Initiative (SWI): Survival guide for Health Canada (HC) Human Drugs", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/single-window-initiative-swi-survival-guide-for-health-canada-hc-human-drugs", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png" }, "name" : "Cole International Inc." } } ```