Notification of Cosmetics
Notification of Cosmetics: Overview
The following table shows the 3 types of flags used in this document and the Guide for Cosmetic Notifications.
Important: Key or cautionary information to know
Information: Supplementary information like quotes and legal references
Tip: Suggestions for people to do in order to comply with the regulations
On this page
- What is a cosmetic
- Why do you need to notify a cosmetic
- Regulatory requirements
- Notification process
- What products are subject to Cosmetic Notification
- Contact us
1. What is a cosmetic
Section 2 of the Food and Drugs Act defines a "cosmetic" as:
"Any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes."
2. Why do you need to notify a cosmetic
Notifications allow Health Canada to monitor cosmetics sold in Canada, making it easier to address any safety concerns or issues that arise.
Manufacturers and importers are responsible for making sure their cosmetics meet the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and its Cosmetic Regulations.
3. Regulatory requirements
3.1 Notification requirements
According to section 30 of the Cosmetic Regulations, all manufacturers and all importers must notify Health Canada within 10 days after they first sell a cosmetic in Canada. Failure to notify may result in a product being denied entry into Canada or removed from sale.
3.2 Updating information
Section 31 of the Cosmetic Regulations requires manufacturers and importers to update and resubmit a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) when there are changes. Some examples of changes include:
- modification of the cosmetic formulation
- update to product name
- new company name, address or contact information
- discontinuation of sale
Important: As per paragraph 31(1)(a) of the Cosmetic Regulations, Health Canada requires that a revised notification is provided within 10 days after the day on which the document or information becomes inaccurate. As per subsection 15.3(2) of the Cosmetic Regulations, if the revised notification is not provided within the 10 day period, the cosmetic cannot be sold. Failure to provide a revised notification may result in further compliance and enforcement actions, including:
- Product being denied entry into Canada
- Removal of the product from sale
4. Notification process
4.1 What information must be provided in the Cosmetic Notification
The completed Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) provides specific product information to Health Canada, including:
- product brand and name
- the name and address of the person who submits the cosmetic notification
- manufacturing and importing information
- label contact information
- type of product (leave-on or rinse-off)
- area of application
- function of the cosmetic
- form of the cosmetic (for example: cream, gel or powder.)
- ingredients of the cosmetic
- concentration of each ingredient
Information: There is no fee associated with the cosmetic notification process.
Any personal information provided to Health Canada in a cosmetic notification is protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act.
Important: Health Canada requires that all information under subsection 30(2)of the Cosmetic Regulations is submitted within the notification. If the provided information is not complete, then the notification requirements for that cosmetic have not been met. As per subsection 15.3(1) of the Cosmetic Regulations, if the notification requirements have not been met, the cosmetic cannot be sold following the 10-day period after first sale. Failure to provide all the information under subsection 30(2) may result in further compliance and enforcement actions, including:
- Product being denied entry into Canada
- Removal of the product from sale
4.2 Submit a cosmetic notification
To notify a new cosmetic, amend an existing notification, or discontinue the sale of a cosmetic, you must fill out and submit a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) to Health Canada.
Notify, amend or discontinue a cosmetic
4.3 Submit additional documents
To submit additional documents related to your cosmetic after a notification has been sent, such as copies of the labels or inserts, use the Transport Form for Submitting Additional Documents to Health Canada.
You should review the Guide for Cosmetic Notifications to ensure your cosmetic notification form is completed correctly.
Do you need help submitting your HTML form? See Help on Forms.
If you experience any issues when submitting your form, please use the Enquiry Form to contact us for assistance.
Important: Submission of the CNF does not constitute approval for sale by Health Canada, nor agreement that the product is classified as a cosmetic, nor that the product complies with all legislative requirements.
Manufacturers and importers are responsible for making sure their cosmetics meet the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and its Cosmetic Regulations.
If there are concerns with a submitted notification or product, such as unknown ingredients, missing information, safety issues, or improper classification, Health Canada will inform the notifier of those concerns.
Important: Health Canada may request additional information related to a notification. As per subsection 15.3(3) of the Cosmetic Regulations, if the information is not provided, the cosmetic cannot be sold after the 10-day period from Health Canada's request. Failure to respond may result in further compliance and enforcement actions, including:
- Product being denied entry into Canada
- Removal of the product from sale
5. What products are subject to Cosmetic Notification
All cosmetics sold in Canada must be notified to Health Canada.
In instances where the classification of a product is not clear, Health Canada will classify the product on a case by case-by-case basis, considering factors such as:
- Representation: The product is represented for sale to serve a cosmetic function, such as cleansing, moisturizing, lubricating, perfuming or altering the hair, skin or teeth of humans.
- Composition of the product: Although the composition of a product alone does not necessarily determine its classification, the presence of an ingredient, or its concentration, may make the product unsuitable for classification as a cosmetic.
- Level of action: Cosmetics are normally applied to an external part of the body and not absorbed below the skin to achieve their cosmetic effect.
In addition, the following elements are considered to determine the classification of a product:
- Cosmetics can be applied to the skin around the eyes but products applied directly into the eyes are not cosmetics.
- With the sole exception of tattoo ink, products that are administered through ingestion, inhalation or injection (such as, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous) are not classified as cosmetics.
Further information regarding classification may be found in the Guidance on the Classification of Products at the Cosmetic-Drug Interface
Information: Test-marketed cosmetics must meet all relevant regulatory requirements, including notification.
6. Contact us
If you can't find the information you need on our website or need help with your submission, please use the General Enquiries Form. Enquiries submitted through the form, rather than by e-mail, help manage requests more efficiently and will ensure your enquiry is directed to the appropriate team.
Contact information for the Consumer Product Safety Program can be found at this link: Contact us — Consumer Product Safety Program — Health Canada - Canada.ca