On 24 April 2024, Health Canada announced the publication in the Canada Gazette (the country’s official journal) of the “Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning the Disclosure of Cosmetic Ingredients”. Among other things, the regulations require fragrance allergens to be declared, and make changes to improve regulatory oversight of cosmetic products.
Firstly, this Regulation adjusts certain definitions (INCI name, inner label, manufacturer, importer, rinse-off product, leave-on product, etc.).
Oversight of products
It states that a cosmetic product may only be sold in Canada if it has been notified within ten days of its first sale in the country, with the following information (the same deadline applies in the event of product modification):
• The contact information that appears on the inner label of the cosmetic
• The function of the cosmetic, including whether it is a leave-on product or a rinse-off product
• The list of ingredients, according to their INCI name
• The name and address in Canada of the manufacturer or importer
Another requirement is that the “inner label” (on or affixed to the immediate container of a product) must include a telephone number, email address, website address, postal address or any other information that enables communication with a contact person to whom consumers may direct questions about the cosmetic.
All information on the label must appear in both English and French.
As regards controls, it is now possible for the authorities to ask the manufacturer or importer to provide them with evidence to establish the safety of a …
