The selection of a new INN relies on a strict procedure. Upon receipt of an INN request form, the WHO Secretariat examines the suggested names for conformity with the general rules, for similarities with published INNs and potential conflicts with existing names, including published INNs and trademarks. A note summarizing the result of these checks is added and the request is subsequently forwarded to the INN experts for comments. Once all experts agree upon one name, the applicant is informed of the selected name.

Newly selected, proposed INNs are then published in WHO Drug Information, which indicates a deadline for a 4-month objection period. This period is allowed for comments and/or objections to the published names to be raised. The reasons for any objection must be stated clearly and these will be evaluated by the experts for further action. Users are invited to refrain from using the proposed name until it becomes a recommended INN, in order to avoid confusion should the name be modified. Two lists of proposed INNs are published yearly. An example is set out below.