Health Canada has proposed some changes in cosmetic labelling and notification so as to enhance chemical transparency, better regulatory oversight and also work on administrative updates in the cosmetics sector. However, these changes will be in line with the European Union regulatory environment.
From 2006, all the cosmetic brands have been asked to list the ingredients in product formulation using the globally recognized nomenclature for cosmetics, INCI, which is akin to the one followed in the EU, US and many other jurisdictions. However, there has been variation with regard to declaration of fragrances and the linked allergens.
The new draft regulations will mandate companies to share the fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels when they exceed a concentration of >0.001% in leave-on products and >0.01% in rinse-off products. These will have to be mentioned in the list of ingredients on the labels. These allergens will be the ones that are enlisted in the European Restricted Substances List that will be included by reference in the Cosmetic Regulations. Presently, there are 24 fragrance allergens on the list but it will be updated soon.
The new regulations by Health Canada also state that cosmetics sold in small packages can publish the list of ingredients on the website, but they have to meet certain conditions. There will be restrictions on selling products if there are no initial notification, updated notification or the requested safety information submitted. Lastly, there will be amendments to some requirements and definitions related to cosmetics notifications. This would include a change in the concentration ranges that are used to show the amount of each ingredient in a product.
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