Is Shilajit Banned in Canada?

Many people searching on the internet for natural supplements come across an important question: Is shilajit banned in Canada?

The confusion is understandable because shilajit has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past in many countries, especially due to safety concerns around product quality and contamination.

The clear answer is that shilajit itself is not completely banned in Canada, but it is strictly regulated.

Some shilajit products have been removed from the Canadian market in the past, not because shilajit is illegal, but because certain products did not meet Health Canada’s safety and quality standards.

To understand what is allowed, what is restricted, and how to stay safe, it is important to look at how Canada regulates natural health products.

Why People Think Shilajit Is Banned in Canada

The idea that shilajit is banned often comes from older news reports and government warnings related to specific Ayurvedic products.

In the mid 2000s, Health Canada issued warnings and stop sale notices for some imported Ayurvedic supplements after tests found unsafe levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.

These actions were aimed at contaminated products, not at banning shilajit as a substance.

However, the headlines created long-lasting confusion, leading many people to believe that shilajit itself is illegal in Canada.

In reality, Canada chose a regulatory approach rather than a full ban.

How Shilajit Is Regulated in Canada

In Canada, shilajit falls under the category of Natural Health Products, also called NHPs.

These products are regulated by Health Canada under the Natural Health Product Regulations.

This means shilajit can be legally sold in Canada only if it meets strict requirements, including safety testing, quality control, and proper licensing.

Health Canada clearly states that products containing shilajit must meet the following conditions:

Shilajit must be purified
Products must meet heavy metal limits
Manufacturers must follow approved quality standards
Licensed products must have a Natural Product Number (NPN)

Shilajit products that do not meet these conditions may be stopped at the border, removed from shelves, or recalled.

Why Shilajit Purification Is Mandatory

Raw or unprocessed shilajit naturally forms in mountain rocks and soil, which means it can absorb environmental contaminants.

This includes heavy metals that can be harmful to human health when consumed regularly. Shilajit can cause stomach problems if taken in low-quality shilajit.

Because of this risk, Health Canada requires that any shilajit used in natural health products undergo a purification process.

Purification helps remove harmful substances while preserving beneficial compounds such as fulvic acid.

Products made with raw, unpurified shilajit are considered unsafe and are not allowed for legal sale in Canada.

Heavy Metal Concerns and Safety Risks

Heavy metal contamination is the main reason shilajit is tightly regulated.

Scientific reviews and government reports have shown that some shilajit and Ayurvedic products contain unsafe levels of metals like:

Lead
Mercury
Arsenic
Cadmium

Long-term exposure to these metals can affect the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular health, and hormone balance.

Recent scientific reviews published in medical databases continue to highlight contamination as a serious concern when shilajit is not properly tested.

This is why Health Canada places strong emphasis on laboratory testing and documentation. Brands should show lab reports of each product.

Have Shilajit Products Been Banned or Recalled?

Yes, specific shilajit products and Ayurvedic supplements have been banned or recalled in Canada in the past.

These actions were taken when products failed safety testing or were found to contain heavy metals above acceptable limits.

However, these recalls do not apply to all shilajit products. They apply only to brands or batches that failed to meet regulatory standards.

Legally licensed and tested shilajit products are still allowed to be sold in Canada.

How to Check If a Shilajit Product Is Legal in Canada

If you are buying shilajit in Canada, here are the key points to look for.

1. Natural Product Number (NPN)

Health Canada issues an NPN to natural health products that meet safety and quality standards. A valid NPN means the product has been reviewed for ingredients, dosage, and safety.

2. Purified Shilajit

The product should clearly state that it contains purified shilajit. If purification is not mentioned, this is a red flag.

3. Third-Party Lab Testing

Reputable brands provide certificates of analysis showing test results for heavy metals. These reports should be recent and batch-specific.

4. Transparent Manufacturer Information

Companies selling shilajit legally in Canada should openly share sourcing, testing, and quality control details.

5. Avoid Raw or Untested Imports

Unlabelled resin or very cheap imported shilajit sold online often does not meet Canadian safety standards and may be illegal to sell.

Importing Shilajit Into Canada

Bringing shilajit into Canada, whether by personal travel, comes with risks.

Canada Border Services Agency and Health Canada may detain or seize products that are unlicensed or suspected to be unsafe.

Even for personal use, unregulated supplements may not be allowed through customs.

Buying from Canadian retailers that comply with Health Canada regulations reduces the risk of seizure and health concerns.

What Health Experts Say About Shilajit Safety

Medical and clinical sources generally take a cautious approach to shilajit. While some research suggests potential benefits for energy and cellular health, experts consistently warn about product quality and contamination risks.

Healthcare professionals recommend using only purified and tested shilajit and avoiding use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in people with kidney disease, gout, or heavy metal sensitivity.

This cautious stance aligns with Canada’s regulatory approach, which focuses on consumer safety rather than unrestricted access.

Conclusion

So, is shilajit banned in Canada? The answer is no, but it is closely regulated.

Canada allows shilajit products on the market only when they are purified, properly tested, and licensed as natural health products.

Products that fail to meet these standards have been removed in the past, which has contributed to confusion about their legal status.

For consumers, the most important takeaway is this: quality and compliance matter. Choosing licensed products, checking for lab testing, and avoiding unverified imports are essential steps for safety.

Understanding the difference between a banned substance and a regulated one helps clear misinformation and allows informed decisions based on facts rather than headlines.

I hope this post helps you understand.

Is Shilajit Good for High Blood Pressure Levels?

FAQ

Is shilajit completely illegal in Canada?

No, shilajit is not completely illegal. It is regulated and can be sold legally if it meets Health Canada’s requirements.

Can I buy shilajit online and ship it to Canada?

Only if the product complies with Canadian regulations. Otherwise, it may be detained or seized at the border.

Is raw shilajit allowed in Canada?

Raw, unpurified shilajit is generally not allowed for sale due to safety concerns.

Resources:

Health Canada — Ingredient: Shilajit (purified shilajit) (requirements and heavy-metal specs).

Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit: Risks, Benefits, and Detoxification

Note Archived: Health Canada Warns Against Use of Certain Ayurvedic Medicinal Products