Cosmetic Regulatory Services in Canada Cosmetic Notifications

We are a global leader in cosmetic regulatory services. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of the Canadian regulatory environment and get your products to market fast. We have a wide range of experience in this field, including working with multinational companies as well as small businesses. We understand that time is money and we will do everything possible to get your product approved quickly so you can start making sales!
Cosmetic Regulations in Canada

Cosmetic Regulations in Canada and Cosmetic Label Compliance

Keeping on top of new regulations and standards for cosmetics in Canada is important for companies and consumers alike. To ensure safe and high-quality products, it’s essential to understand the Health Canada Cosmetics Act, labeling requirements, and any updated rules about ingredients.

Our Cosmetic Regulatory Experts can help to ensure your product ingredients follow INCI format and your labels meet the requirements and scope of a cosmetic as per the Cosmetic Regulations. Our French translator can help to make sure your label is bilingual, and includes both English and French text.   

In Canada, the Cosmetic Regulations are very important and you must comply with them in order for your business to succeed. The cosmetic market value is anticipated to generate an average of 1.82 billion U.S. dollars of revenue each year by 2026, which would be an increase of 57% within the next 4 years.

Health Canada Cosmetic Regulatory Services Requirements for Compliance

The following are the requirements for registration of a cosmetic product in Canada: Compliance with the Cosmetic Regulatorions and FDA regulations.

  • The cosmetic must comply with all applicable standards in the Food and Drugs Act, Natural Health Products Regulations, and Cosmetic Regulations.

  • The label of the product must have instructions for use. These instructions include directions for safe handling, warnings against unsafe practices, storage conditions, and disposal methods.

  • Product ingredients should be listed on its label along with their function within the formulation of your product; this will allow you to identify any allergens or sensitizing agents that could cause harm to consumers using your product

cosmetic regulatory compliance | Cosmetic Notification Form

Why are Cosmetic Regulations needed in Canada?

All cosmetic products marketed in Canada must be made, packed, and kept under hygienic conditions, according to Health Canada’s Cosmetic Regulations. Regulatory agencies are always on the lookout for misbranded or contaminated goods, as well as unsuitable product packaging. Before marketing their cosmetic items, manufacturers or importers must do a safety evaluation. Businesses must inform Health Canada that they are selling cosmetics and give a list of the product’s contents. To learn more about our cosmetic regulatory services click here:

cosmetic label health canada
Cosmetic Labelling Regulations

Products must adhere to cosmetic labelling regulations i.e. Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations in Canada.

Safety Assessment

Legal or regulatory tasks include product safety evaluation. To guarantee that only safe items reach customers, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and others should undertake a safety assessment on their products.

Non-Compliance Notice

If Health Canada discovers information indicating that a cosmetic product is adulterated or misbranded, it can issue a non-compliance notice indicating the issues that need to be corrected.

Mandatory Information

Product identification in English (and French in Canada), net amount declaration in metric units, and the identity and location of business of the dealer are all required to appear on the label of a pre-packaged cosmetic.

Turnkey Solutions for Canada Cosmetic Regulations

Quality Smart Solutions is committed to helping cosmetic companies comply with cosmetic regulations in Canada. We will assist you with cosmetics registration, ingredient review, cosmetic notification, French translation and cosmetic packaging/labeling compliance.

Solutions for Compliant Cosmetic Regulations in Canada

Cosmetic Notifications: Our Canadian Cosmetic Regulatory experts can help review your cosmetic ingredients. Then they ensure the product does not contain any ingredients on the ‘Ingredient Hotlist’ (substances that may be prohibited or restricted in cosmetics). Once the review is done, we will assist you in preparing and submitting your cosmetic notification application to Health Canada.

Cosmetic Label Compliance & French Translation: We make sure all your product ingredients follow the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) format and your label meets the requirements and scope of a cosmetic. We also have french translators with 25+ years of experience who ensure your label is bilingual and includes both English and French text.

cosmetic label health canada

Hear from Some of Our Amazing Clients

Proven Expertise. Companies who have Trusted Us to Meet the Canadian Cosmetic Regulations and USA Cosmetic Products Regulations

Shams W.Pawel Amazing Grass

“We’ve worked with Andrew and the QSS team for 5 years and they’ve always been very knowledgeable and professional. They’re a tremendous partner to have when dealing with Health Canada compliance regulations and will always work with you to come up with the best solutions.”

Michael MT Consulting

I have been working with Andrew and his team at QSS for a couple of years now. I have clients from many different parts of the world and each situation requires expertise and focus, which I’m getting from QSS. I highly recommend Andrew and QSS to any perspective client who wants to “get it right” regarding Canadian and cross border compliance.

Donal Gauvreau Sapro

I've used QSS services for many years now and they always deliver a very professional service. Everyone on the team is great to work with and the always come up with great solutions for your needs at a great price!

    Overview of Cosmetic Regulations and Law in Canada

    The Health Canada Cosmetics Act, as well as the Food and Drugs Act outline what is expected of cosmetic manufacturers in Canada. This includes definitions and labelling requirements, regulations regarding advertising products such as moratoriums on using certain ingredients, safety testing of products, product recalls, and more. It’s important to note that the cosmetic laws vary from province to province, so be sure to check with your local government to make sure you are compliant.

    Before selling cosmetics in Canada, it’s important to be aware of the Health Canada requirements. According to their regulations, any products that are intended for both cleansing and beautifying must be approved by Health Canada before they can be sold in the country. Additionally, all cosmetic products must list their ingredients on the packaging and labeling, including information about potential allergens or sensitizing materials. Moreover, testing is often required to ensure that the product is safe and meets certain quality standards.

    Cosmetic Regulations in Canada
    Cosmetic Regulations in Canada

    Health Canada Cosmetics Act

    The Health Canada Cosmetics Act outlines requirements for the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, and sale of cosmetics in Canada. Companies must comply with the act’s regulations regarding ingredients, product safety testing, product recalls, and more. In addition to providing details on permissible and prohibited ingredients, it also sets out guidelines for manufacturers on how to carry out recalls. It is important for manufacturers to be familiar with the latest versions of the Act in order to ensure products comply with Canadian regulations.

    Before selling cosmetics in Canada, it’s important to be aware of the Health Canada requirements. According to their regulations, any products that are intended for both cleansing and beautifying must be approved by Health Canada before they can be sold in the country. Additionally, all cosmetic products must list their ingredients on the packaging and labeling, including information about potential allergens or sensitizing materials. Moreover, testing is often required to ensure that the product is safe and meets certain quality standards.

    Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist & Restrictions

    All cosmetics and personal care products that are sold in Canada must comply with the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. This document lists prohibited and restricted ingredients with allowable concentrations, as well as other information related to labeling requirements and marketing claims. Companies are responsible for ensuring that their finished product does not contain any unauthorized ingredients or preparations thereof, regardless of how it is labeled or promoted. Companies should also regularly update their ingredient list to be sure that all materials are compliant with current regulations.

    All cosmetics sold in Canada must list all the ingredients on the product packaging, labeling, and any accompanying leaflet or material. The label must also include information about potential allergens and/or sensitizing materials. Additionally, Health Canada has restrictions in place for certain substances, including those that are toxic or hazardous to human health, as well as the use of many volatile solvent ingredients. These restrictions can be found on the Government of Canada website.

    Cosmetic Regulations in Canada
    Cosmetic Regulations in Canada

    Cosmetic Labelling Requirements and Standards in Canada

    In Canada, cosmetic labels must include the identity and principal place of business of the manufacturer or distributor, an accurate list of ingredients, appropriate warnings and cautionary statements, directions for safe use that are appropriate to the product and type of container, a net quantity declaration, a date marking system as specified under federal regulations (if necessary), and other restrictions that apply. The labeling must also comply with French language policies unless specifically exempted. Products may only bear marketing claims that have been verified by Health Canada. All labeling should be written in English and French, if applicable, with a font size large enough to read easily.

    Reporting Adverse Reactions to Cosmetics in Canada

    All adverse reactions to cosmetics that are reported to Health Canada must be reported in accordance with Part C, Division 5 of the Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act. Generally, this includes reports from consumers expressing concerns about cosmetic products or their ingredients. The reporting requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and importers are outlined in the guidance document called “Adverse Reaction Reporting Requirements for Cosmetics.” A report must include details such as the brand name and type of product used, a description of the suspected adverse event, and any medical follow-up or treatment requested by or given to the person who experienced the reaction.

    For each product released onto the market, Health Canada requires an extensive safety assessment and testing process. All claims related to product composition, use, and effects must also be reviewed and approved by the agency prior to release. Additionally, manufacturers must provide evidence of the raw materials and ingredients used as part of the assessment process. This ensures that all products meet safety standards before being sold to Canadian consumers.

    Cosmetic Regulations in Canada

    Frequently Asked Questions - Canada Cosmetic Regulations

    Under the Food and Drugs Act, a cosmetic includes “any substance or mixture of substances, manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth and includes deodorants and perfumes.”
    Manufacturers and importers must notify Health Canada within 10 days after they first sell a cosmetic in Canada. Therefore, a Cosmetic Notification must be submitted to notify Health Canada of your cosmetic product. There is currently no fee associated with the cosmetic notification process.
    Cosmetic products can include: soaps, manicure products, adhesives for use on the body, moisturizers, tattoo inks, makeup products, tooth whiteners and cleansing wipes. Non-cosmetic products would be things such as: sunscreens, acne treatments, skin whiteners/lighteners, hand sanitizers, collagen/botox injections, insect repellants, oral supplements and contact lenses.
    Cosmetic claims must be non-therapeutic in nature (e.g. moisturizing, cleansing, beautifying, etc.) and they do not require prior authorization by the regulator. Therapeutic claims (e.g. modify body functions, prevent or treat disease) are only allowed on drugs or natural health products, not on cosmetic products.
    The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (Hotlist) is an administrative tool that Health Canada uses to communicate to manufacturers and others that certain substances may be prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics.

    Do you know?

    Follow Latest News, Blogs & Industry Updates
    SEEKING COSMETIC COMPLIANCE HELP?

    Please complete the form below. We will respond to you soon.

    Select all applicable Services
    Select countries of interest
    0/5 (0 Reviews)

    Don't miss updates from Health Canada and FDA.

    If you are looking for the latest regulatory updates or want the newest regulatory requirements guides, please leave your email and we'll keep you posted.

    This website uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and improve your online experience. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies as outlined in Quality Smart Solutions's online privacy statement.