Consumer Products

Health Canada helps protect the Canadian public by researching, assessing and collaborating in the management of the health risks and safety hazards associated with the many consumer products that Canadians use everyday. As part of these rigorous processes, a high premium is placed on maximizing the safety of all consumer products and cosmetics, including those that use nanotechnology.

The  Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) provides Health Canada with the authority to address or prevent dangers to human health or safety that are posed by consumer products, including those that contain nanomaterials. The CCPSA also prohibits retailers, manufacturers or importers from manufacturing, importing, advertising, or selling any consumer product that is a "danger to human health or safety," as defined in the Act.

For more information on the CCPSA, please visit: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).

Cosmetics are regulated under the  Cosmetic Regulations under the  Food and Drugs Act. The Cosmetic Regulations address issues related to safety, ingredients that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics, product review and labelling.

The Food and Drugs Act prohibits the sale of any cosmetic that includes a substance that may harm the user when the cosmetic is applied in a reasonable manner. If a product poses an avoidable hazard, adequate labelling must be provided to ensure the product is used safely. If the manufacturer cannot establish the safety of a cosmetic, the sale of that cosmetic will be prohibited.

For more information on cosmetics, please visit: Cosmetics.

Substances that are nanomaterials and are considered new to Canada, whether consumer products or cosmetics, are also subject to New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers). Health Canada and Environment Canada share responsibility under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to assess and manage risks from chemicals and other substances, including nanomaterials, that are imported, used, or manufactured in Canada.

For more information on the role of Health Canada in the New Substances Program under CEPA, 1999, please visit:  New Substances Program.