Cosmetic Notifications in Canada:

Cosmetics, used widely for beauty and grooming, are governed by specific regulations. Though formal registration isn't necessary, these products must be notified to Health Canada and comply with labelling and manufacturing standards. This entails completing and submitting a notification form, detailing the ingredients and their concentrations in the product.

Under section 30 of the Canadian Cosmetic Regulations, manufacturers and importers of cosmetic products must notify Health Canada of the products first sale within 10 days of its market entry. Failure to adhere to this mandate may lead to refusal of market entry or subsequent product removal.

How we help: We offer a formula review, notification preparation/submission, product label review, and French translations. Our review ensures that the restrictions for “hot list” ingredients are understood and restricted ingredients removed.

FAQ & OUR PROCESS

  • Step 1:

    First, we sign a non-disclosure agreement with you (ours or yours), assuring you that anything we discuss remains strictly confidential. Eventually, some of the information will need to be included on the application submitted to Health Canada but they are the only people outside of ourselves to which anything will be disclosed.

    Step 2:

    We would then have you send us the formulations and the product label of the cosmetic you wish to register. We will send a standardized template for you to fill out. This template will request the following information:

    • INCI names of ingredients used

    • % concentration range of the ingredients in the products

    • Product label(s) - If a label is not available, we can provide you with a list of information that must appear on a cosmetic label

    • Brand names of the product

    Step 3:

    We will review the provided information to ensure that the product does fall within the Cosmetic Regulations. We will advise you if your product better fits into a different set of regulations (e.g. a cosmetic product with health claims might be a Natural Health Product for topical application).

    Step 4:

    Once the information is reviewed and clarifications are finalized, we will send you a one-time all-inclusive quote.

    There are no hidden or additional charges. What we quote is all that you will pay.

    Step 5:

    If the quote is acceptable, we will prepare a notification package for the cosmetic and review the product label in accordance with regulatory requirements.

    We will then send you the review for any necessary changes. Once revised, we will send the necessary text for French translations.

    Step 6:

    Once the notification is submitted to Health Canada we will issue an invoice to you, which will be the same as the quote, and ask that it be honoured upon receipt.

    Step 7:

    We will forward the letter from Health Canada once the application has been received and processed.

  • When distinguishing between a cosmetic and a Natural Health Product (NHP), various factors must be considered. Some product claims may fall under therapeutic claims, categorizing your product as an NHP. It’s best to seek guidance from a regulatory expert to determine the most suitable path to market for your product.

  • Yes, all cosmetic products sold in Canada must present the required label text in both official languages.

  • Yes, you still need to notify your cosmetic product when selling it online through retailers like Amazon Canada. The regulatory standards remain consistent whether products are sold online or in brick-and-mortar stores.

  • No, Health Canada does not need to test your cosmetic product. However, you cosmetics should be manufactured in a GMP compliant facility and use ingredients made in accordance with applicable quality standards.