“Does It Have a DIN Number?” – Why That Question Matters for Farm Biosecurity!

When it comes to protecting your livestock, disinfectants play a critical role. Whether you’re cleaning barns, equipment, or water lines, the products you use matter—not just in performance, but in legality and safety. In Canada, there is only one surefire way to know that a disinfectant is proven, tested, and approved: it must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN)

What Is a DIN?

A Drug Identification Number (DIN) is an eight-digit number issued by Health Canada to a product that has been reviewed and approved for use as a drug or disinfectant. This includes evaluating safety, efficacy, quality, and proper labelling. If a product is truly a disinfectant in the eyes of Canadian law, it will have a DIN. No DIN? Then it is not a legal disinfectant—plain and simple.

The Testing Behind a DIN

To earn a DIN, a product must go through a rigorous testing protocol. This includes:

• Demonstrating effectiveness against specific pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, or fungi)

• Lab validation under specific contact times and environmental conditions

• Toxicity and residue analysis to ensure safety for both animals and humans

• Proper labelling that communicates active ingredients, directions, and warnings

This ensures that producers can trust DIN-registered products to perform as promised when used according to label directions.