Information for Industry and Professionals

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Health Canada works closely with industry and professionals to regulate and promote the safe use of cosmetics and personal care products that are made for distribution and for retail in Canada.

The basis for the regulatory authority for the Cosmetics Program comes from the Food and Drugs Actand Cosmetic Regulations. Cosmetics are defined as "any substance or mixture of substances, manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth and includes deodorants and perfumes." This definition also includes animal grooming products, cosmetics used by professional esthetic services, as well as bulk institutional products (e.g. handsoap in school restrooms).

• Mandatory Ingredient Labelling for Cosmetics in Canada - November 2006
• Proposed Process for Amending the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
• Guidelines for Cosmetics Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Retailers
• List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (The Cosmetic Ingredient "Hotlist")
• Requirements for the Sale of Cosmetics in Canada
  Notification is a mandatory requirement for cosmetic products in Canada.
• Applicable Acts and Regulations
• Consultations
• Guidelines and Policies
• Recalling Consumer Products - A Guide for Industry, April 2005

For more information on cosmetic ingredient reviews and other aspects of cosmetics, these Web sites may provide useful information:

• United States Food and Drug Administration
• European Commission
• Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
• U.S. Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association

For cosmetics companies, the following Web sites may inform you about business-related issues or information requirements for other Federal Departments:

• Industry Canada's Competition Bureau
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Environmental Impact Initiative
• New Substances Program, Environment Canada
• CEPA Environmental Registry, Environment Canada
• Bioregulations - Regulation of Health Biotechnology