Health Canada regulates cosmetic labelling under the Food and Drugs Act, Cosmetic Regulations, and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA). All cosmetic products sold in Canada must be notified to Health Canada within 10 days of first sale using the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF). Notifications must be updated if there are changes to formulation, brand name, or manufacturer contact details. These regulations aim to ensure that consumers receive accurate, non-misleading information about the products they use.
Cosmetic labels must include several mandatory elements: the product identity, net quantity (in metric units), bilingual labeling (English and French), and the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. The ingredient list must follow the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) and be displayed in descending order of concentration. Certain products, such as hair dyes, pressurized containers, and those containing mercury, require specific warning or cautionary statements to inform users of potential risks. Label text must be legible, durable, and prominently displayed on the packaging.
Health Canada enforces compliance through product inspections and regulatory oversight. Inspectors may review product labels, packaging, and manufacturer records to ensure adherence to the law. Any misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete labeling is prohibited and may result in enforcement actions such as product seizures or recalls. These labelling rules play a critical role in ensuring consumer safety, informed decision-making, and effective risk communication in the cosmetics market.