Cosmetics in Canada are under the unified regulation of Health Canada. Its core responsibilities include market access notification for cosmetics, sales supervision, post-marketing compliance inspection, adverse reaction monitoring and law enforcement.Official Website of the Regulatory Authority: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cosmetics.html
Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs ActConsumer Packaging and Labelling Act
1.Definition of Cosmetics in CanadaCosmetics refer to any substance used to cleanse, improve or alter the complexion, skin, hair, nails or teeth, including beauty preparations (such as cosmetics, perfumes, skin creams and nail polishes) and beauty aids (such as soaps, shampoos, shaving creams and deodorants).2.Typical Products Not Classified as General Cosmetics (Regulated Under Other Categories)Products claimed to have therapeutic effects or containing prohibited active ingredients → regulated as drugs (e.g., topical antibiotic creams)Products containing therapeutic natural active ingredients → regulated as natural health products (e.g., topical herbal preparations for accelerating scar healing)Insect repellent products → regulated as pesticidesAnti-dandruff shampoos, skin lightening agents, antiperspirants and sunburn protection products → not regulated as cosmetics
Complete product classification to confirm that the product falls within the scope of general cosmeticsProvide basic product information including product name, formulation and intended useComplete and submit the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)Appoint a compliant notifierProvide consumer contact information as displayed on the product labelProvide the name and address of the manufacturer or importer based in CanadaSubmit the full product ingredient formulation list, bilingual labels (English and French) and product safety certification documentsCosmetic manufacturers are encouraged to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) quality management specifications
English or French
Pursuant to Section 30 of the Cosmetic Regulations, manufacturers or importers must submit the CNF (completed online) within 10 days after the first sale of the product in Canada.Product information: Brand name + product name, product function, form (e.g., cream/gel), application site, and leave-on/rinse-off attributeComplete ingredient list: Adopt INCI names (or chemical names), and provide the exact concentration or concentration range of each ingredient (requirements are tightened under the 2025 update)Contact information:
Notifier (the submitting party, usually the importer or manufacturer)
Responsible Person with a valid Canadian address
Information of the manufacturer/formulator/importer
Label Contact
Label documents (mandatory upload under Section 6):
Product label images or texts (must be bilingual in English and French)
All avoidable hazard statements
Other optional/recommended documents (uploaded as applicable):
Safety Assessment report
MSDS/CoA (for ingredient verification, especially for ingredients marked as "Not Found")
Product photos or proof of marketed labels
The notifier is responsible for completing and submitting the cosmetic notification, and may be the manufacturer, importer or authorized notification agent. It is also responsible for all relevant communications with the Canadian cosmetic regulatory authority.
1.Notification Procedure
Standard procedure: Product classification (confirming cosmetic status) → Ingredient compliance review → Label compliance review → Completion of the CNF → Online submission via the notification system
2.Notification Timeline and Official FeesNotification deadline: The notification must be completed within 10 days after the product is first sold in Canada.Official fees: Health Canada does not charge any official fees for cosmetic notification.