May 2024
The amendments are detailed in the Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act and alert us to important changes in the disclosure of cosmetic ingredients.
The Amendments
- Disclosure of Fragrance Allergens: The regulations want the disclosure of certain fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels, particularly specified concentration limits.
- Flexibility for Small Package Labeling: Manufacturers can now choose the option of using a website to disclose complete ingredient lists and providing online resources.
- Oversight: Definitions for manufacturer and importer have been defined, along with enhanced notification requirements, including provisions for discontinuation of sale and response timelines for requests.
- Updated Labelling Requirements: Updates include the removal of distributor information from cosmetic notifications, instruction/ requirements for rinse-off and leave-on products, and the use of INCI names for ingredient identification.
- Safety Evidence Requirement: Importers may now be required to provide evidence of safety, alongside manufacturers, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The Amendments take effect:
Most amendments, are scheduled to take effect 180 days after registration; by October 9, 2024. This necessitates the prompt revision of labeling requirements.
Disclosing fragrance allergens will become effective two years after registration, on April 12, 2026.
The full update can be found here – https://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2024/2024-04-24/html/sor-dors63-eng.html
Linda Beach is the founder, sole owner, and Director of Canadian Natural Health Product Registry (CNHPR), operating under Medical Botany Research. Based on Canada’s west coast, Linda has been providing regulatory consulting and compliance expertise to Canadian and international companies since 2004, when Canada’s Natural Health Products Regulations first came into effect.
A Certified Herbalist with a degree in Botany and Medical Research, Linda also holds certifications in several natural and complementary healing modalities. This combination of scientific training and hands-on herbal expertise gives her a unique perspective on the products she helps bring to market — from vitamins and herbal remedies to nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and sports supplements.
Over her two decades working directly with Health Canada, Linda has built strong working relationships with regulators that have translated into consistent success in securing Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) for her clients. Her advocacy work has had industry-wide impact — including playing a key role in Health Canada’s decision to reinstate hempseed oil to its approved ingredient database after it had been removed, restoring a path to market for products containing the ingredient.
Through CNHPR, Linda guides clients through every stage of the licensing process: developing a tailored regulatory strategy, compiling required documentation, and managing submissions from signing through to Health Canada approval.
