Looking for Feedback on Potential Amendments to the Cosmetics Regulations
Comments opened on July 16, 2021 and will close to new input on August 30, 2021.
Health Canada is seeking stakeholder’s comments and feedback regarding potential amendments to the Cosmetic Regulations.
The main objective of this regulatory initiative would be to better inform consumers about the presence of specific fragrance allergens in cosmetics that are currently captured on labels under the word “parfum”. Disclosure of this information on labels of cosmetics would help strengthen consumer decision-making and help to protect their health.
The following amendments are being considered by Health Canada:
- Add a requirement to disclose specific fragrance allergens on labels of cosmetics
- Allow flexibility for the disclosure of ingredients and specific fragrance allergens on labels of small packages
- Improve oversight of cosmetics by:
o clarifying terminology and improving the level of detail for information submitted in a cosmetic notification, in order to facilitate its use for risk management purposes;
o enhancing compliance and enforcement oversight with regard to who is responsible for responding to evidence of safety requests for cosmetics; and - Address administrative updates.
How to participate?
To participate in this pre-consultation, send us an email at: hc.cosmetics.sc@canada.ca to express your interest and to request a comment package. We will email you a copy of the Notice to Interested Parties and instructions on how to provide your comments.
This pre-consultation will be available to the general public and stakeholders for 45 days, between July 16, 2021 and August 30, 2021.
Who is the focus of this consultation?
- General Canadian Public
- Interested stakeholders
Goals of the pre-consultation?
Through this pre-consultation, Health Canada intends to gather comments from all affected and interested parties for feedback on the Notice to Interested Parties.
Your opinion is sought on the following:
- Whether you support the disclosure of specific fragrance allergens on labels of cosmetics
- Whether you support a flexible off-pack labelling option for disclosure of ingredients and fragrance allergens on labels of small packages, and
- Comments or concerns on proposed amendments to strengthen cosmetic notification requirements, improve oversight to support compliance actions, and address administrative changes
The input gathered through this process will be considered in the development of a regulatory proposal, which includes performing a cost-benefit analysis to support regulatory decisions. Following the publication of the proposed amendments to the Cosmetic Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part 1, there will be an additional comment period.
Related information
- Cosmetic Safety
- Consumer products and cosmetics
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.