The cosmetics industry in Canada is subject to strict regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and transparency of products available on the market. These regulations, established by Health Canada, range from mandatory product notification to specific labelling requirements.
This document provides detailed guidance on the procedures and obligations that cosmetics manufacturers and importers in Canada must comply with, incorporating the most recent updates to current legislation.
Table of contents

Definition of Cosmetic under Canadian Law
According to Section 2 of the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) , a "cosmetic" is defined as:
"Any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or presented for use in cleaning, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes."
This definition covers products used in professional cosmetic services, institutional bulk products such as hand soaps in public facilities, and "handmade" cosmetics sold in artisan markets or home-based businesses.
Cosmetics Notification Requirements
Under section 30 of the Cosmetic Regulations (CR) , all manufacturers and importers must notify Health Canada within 10 days of the first sale of a cosmetic in Canada. This notification is done using the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF), which requires detailed product information, including:
Brand and product name.
Name and address of the server.
Manufacturing and import information.
Contact details for labeling.
Product type (e.g. rinse-off or after-treatment).
Area of application.
Function of the cosmetic.
Physical form of the cosmetic (cream, gel, powder, etc.).
Ingredients and their concentrations.
It is important to note that the submission of the CNF does not constitute approval for sale by Health Canada, nor does it imply that the product complies with all legislative requirements. The responsibility for ensuring compliance lies with manufacturers and importers.
Recent Updates in Cosmetics Legislation
A significant change to Canadian regulation is the ban on animal testing of cosmetics , effective December 22, 2023. This ban applies to both imported and Canadian-made cosmetics and covers:
Conducting animal testing to comply with cosmetic requirements under the Food and Drugs Act or to meet cosmetic safety regulations in other countries.
The sale of cosmetics in Canada whose safety cannot be established without recourse to data obtained from tests on animals that may cause pain or suffering.
Claims on labels or advertising that the cosmetic has not been tested on animals, unless evidence supporting such a claim can be provided upon request by the Minister of Health.
This initiative brings Canada into line with other countries that have implemented similar bans , reflecting growing concerns about animal welfare and a consumer preference for cruelty-free products.
Cosmetic Labeling Requirements
All cosmetics sold in Canada must comply with labelling requirements set out in the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations . Labels must include:
Product name.
Full list of ingredients in descending order of predominance.
Manufacturer or distributor information, including name and address.
Instructions for use where necessary to ensure safe use.
Warnings about possible adverse reactions or specific precautions.
In addition, labels must be written in English and French, the two official languages of Canada, to ensure understanding by all consumers.
Compliance and Consequences of Non-Compliance
Health Canada actively monitors the market to identify cosmetic products that may pose health risks or that do not comply with current regulations. Enforcement actions may include:
Working with companies to correct non-conforming products.
Take additional measures to protect the health and safety of Canadians, including through the issuance of public communications.
Seize products or prosecute companies that fail to comply with regulatory requirements.
It is imperative that manufacturers and importers maintain accurate and up-to-date records and respond in a timely manner to any concerns raised by Health Canada to avoid penalties and ensure consumer confidence in their products.
Conclusion
Compliance with Canadian cosmetics notification and labelling regulations is essential to legally operating in the market and to ensure consumer confidence and safety. Staying informed about legislative updates and strictly adhering to the guidelines set by Health Canada is not only a legal obligation, but also an ethical practice that reflects the industry's commitment to quality.
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