Business Tips
14
Distributing cosmetics in the Canadian market
In the second of a two-part series on how to stay compliant on your way into the global cosmetics market, TJAĹ A GRUM looks at cosmetic regulations in Canada.
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osmetic products sold in Canada are regulated by Health Canada. They must comply with the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act, Cosmetic Regulations and Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act. In addition, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act may apply to any chemicals found in cosmetics. Canada has its own definition of a cosmetic product, which, together with cosmetic claims, has to be considered when assessing whether a product is a cosmetic product or not. The Food and Drugs act defines a cosmetic 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’.
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Canada has its own definition of a cosmetic product, which, together with cosmetic claims, has to be considered when assessing whether a product is a cosmetic product or not. This includes handmade cosmetics sold at craft sales or home-based businesses and products used by professionals, as well as bulk institutional products (e.g. hand soap in schools). Many products may look like cosmetics at first, but when looking closer, do not comply with the whole definition of a cosmetic in Canada. For example, sunscreens and skin
whitening products are classified as drugs in Canada, unlike in the EU, where these kinds of products are cosmetics.
Product composition and safety All products sold in Canada have to be safe for use, but the regulation does not set out exactly how the safety of the products should be proven. Products have to be manufactured, prepared, preserved, packed and stored under clean conditions. Manufacturers are also encouraged to follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), e.g. ISO 22716 standard. Health Canada also has the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, which includes a list of prohibited substances and a list of restricted substances for use in cosmetics. In order to ensure the safety of
