Health Canada has recently revised the Notification of Cosmetics: Guide for Cosmetic Notifications, introducing new requirements that will affect both cosmetic product notification and labeling. This update is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing consumer safety and bringing Canadian regulations closer in line with international standards that are in force in the rest of the globe.
Under Article 30 of the Cosmetic Regulations, manufacturers and importers must notify Health Canada at least 10 days before a cosmetic product is placed on the Canadian market. Each notification must include key details such as:
- the manufacturer and/or importer;
- the individual responsible for formulation or processing on behalf of the manufacturer or importer;
- product-specific information relevant for regulatory compliance.
The most notable revisions concern the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF), with two important implementation dates:
- As of March 5, 2025 – Section 4 of the CNF must include a Canadian address for the manufacturer or importer.
- As of April 12, 2026 – fragrance allergens must be disclosed on both the product label and the CNF when present above 0.01% in rinse-off products or 0.001% in leave-on products.
These new measures bring Canada into closer alignment with the European Union, particularly regarding the disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels. Canada will also mirror any future updates to the EU fragrance allergen list, ensuring regulatory consistency.
Beginning April 12, 2026, 24 fragrance allergens will need to be listed on cosmetic labels when present above the specified thresholds. This requirement will expand to 81 allergens for new products from August 1, 2026, while existing products will have until August 1, 2028 to comply.
See official guidance here.
These changes represent a significant step toward global harmonization and greater transparency for consumers regarding cosmetic formulations.
What should companies do next?
Businesses in the cosmetic sector should carefully review these updates and begin adjusting their processes now to ensure timely compliance.
Need support in adapting your processes to the new requirements? Contact us through our form to request a personalized consultation with our experts and ensure your products are fully compliant!Canada: Updates on the Cosmetic Notification System (CNS)
