Forward Regulatory Plan 2023-2025: Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning the Disclosure of Cosmetic Ingredients
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Regulations Amending Certain Regulation Concerning the Disclosure of Cosmetic Ingredients
Enabling Act
Description
Health Canada proposes to amend the Cosmetic Regulations to introduce a requirement to disclose certain fragrance allergens on the product label and amend the Regulations to enhance regulatory oversight for cosmetics. The proposal also includes consequential amendments to the Cannabis Regulations under the Cannabis Act.
The amended regulations will require the disclosure of certain fragrance allergens on cosmetics to inform consumers about the presence of these ingredients in the product, outside of the term "parfum". This will allow consumers to avoid products containing fragrance allergens to which they may be sensitive.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
This initiative is not part of a formal regulatory cooperation work plan.
The proposal aligns Canada's requirements with those established by the European Commission. The disclosure of fragrance allergens on labels has been a requirement in the European Union since 2005.
Potential impacts on people in Canada, including businesses
The amendments are expected to increase consumer protection, specifically of vulnerable individuals who are sensitive to fragrance allergens, by requiring certain fragrance allergens to be disclosed on the label.
The cosmetic industry will be impacted by the amendments, as the changes will introduce label updates to many cosmetic products. Health Canada will determine an appropriate coming-into-force strategy and other solutions, such as a digital ingredient labelling option for products sold in small packages, to reduce the burden on industry.
Other amendments are expected to improve the department's risk assessments and support current enforcement practices. These are anticipated to have minimal impact on industry.
Consultations
People in Canada had an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes to the regulatory proposal through a Notice to Interested Parties published on July 16, 2021, for a 45-day public comment period.
Health Canada pre-published the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I on February 11, 2023, with a 70-day comment period.
Further information
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Geoff Barrett
Director
Risk Management Bureau
Consumer and Hazardous Products Safety Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 343-542-3045
Email: cosmetics@hc-sc.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
April 2021
Consult Health Canada's acts and regulations web page for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by Health Canada
- further information on Health Canada's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:
To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:
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