Health Canada’s New Cosmetic Ingredients Disclosure Rules Finalized

Attention retailers who sell cosmetics: The Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning the Disclosure of Cosmetic Ingredients (SOR/2024-63) were published on April 24 in the Canada Gazette, Part II, making them final. This publication brings several changes to the Cosmetic Regulations, under the Food and Drugs Act:  

• They mandate the disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels if they exceed a certain limit. 
• They offer more flexibility for disclosing ingredients in cosmetics sold in small packages. 
• They strengthen notification requirements for cosmetics and Health Canada’s ability to enforce compliance. 
• Other administrative changes are also included. 

While these changes primarily affect cosmetic manufacturers, retailers should be aware of the new disclosure requirements to ensure the products they sell comply. This is especially important for retailers dealing with private-label cosmetics. Additionally, the introduction of a 10-day stop sale provision, requiring communication of intent to continue selling a cosmetic in Canada within 10 days of its first sale by the manufacturer or importer should be noted. 

The Regulations will be implemented in two stages:  

• All amendments, except those related to fragrance allergen disclosure, on cosmetic labels, take effect 180 days after registration, by October 9, 2024.  
• Provisions regarding fragrance allergen disclosure come into effect two years after registration, on April 12, 2026.  

 Please reach out to Avery Bruenjes, Director of Regulatory Affairs at abruenjes@retailcouncil.org with questions.