top of page

Cosmetic Products in Canada

Cosmetic Products Regulation 

service process

In order to sell cosmetics in Canada, manufacturers and importers must report to Health Canada within 10 days of first selling cosmetics in Canada in accordance with Article 30 of the Cosmetic Regulation. Notification ) There is an obligation to do this. The processing process involves a review period of approximately 2 to 8 weeks after submission of relevant documents and a Cosmetic Number is issued. Reporting is mandatory but not pre-approval. It is possible to start selling at the same time as reporting the CNF, but reporting does not mean that all requirements for legal sales of the product have been met.

​​

Among customers who sell cosmetics on Amazon in Canada, there are cases where products in Amazon warehouses inevitably have to be removed because they do not comply with Canadian cosmetics regulations (not having a Cosmetic Number, etc.). To prevent costly and time-consuming situations, we strongly recommend registering your cosmetics with Health Canada.

Example of Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)

The definition of cosmetics under the Canadian Food and Drug Act (FDA) is as follows.

"Includes 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"

​"Includes any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or advertised for the purpose of cleaning, improving or changing the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, including deodorants and perfumes"

Examples of cosmetics that require prior notification (CNF) are as follows.

  • soaps

  • artificial nail builders - Includes builder gel and nail polish

  • Adhesives such as for artificial nails, hair extensions, etc. (Artificial nails, hair adhesive)

  • moisturizers

  • tinted moisturizers (concealers)

  • tattoo inks

  • makeup products

  • tooth whiteners

  • cleansing wipes

  • feminine douches (vaginal cleanser/feminine cleanser)

Below is an example of a product that is not classified as a cosmetic and therefore does not require a CN issuance application process, but is classified as a drug or NHP (natural health supplement) depending on its ingredients and functions and follows different regulations.

  • sunscreens (including makeup products with SPF) - UV blocking sunscreens

  • acne treatment

  • skin whiteners or lighteners (skin whitening products)

  • denture cleaners (teeth whitening products)

  • hand sanitizers

  • artificial nails and hair extensions

  • brushes (toothbrushes)

  • laser treatment hair removers

  • collagen or "Botox" injections

  • insect repellents

  • oral supplements

  • room or fabric sprays

  • non-prescription contact lenses

Cosmetic Product labeling

The packaging and labels that must appear on Canadian cosmetics are pursuant to the Food and Drug Act (FDA), Cosmetic Regulations, Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act, and Consumer Packaging and Labeling Regulations ( Consumer Packaging and Labeling) are subject to complex regulations and influences. The general premise of the label regulation is simultaneous labeling in English and French, but depending on the content being labeled, there are parts that only allow labeling in one language, so careful attention is required.

The essential information that must be included on cosmetic labels is listed below.

  • Product identity - written in both English and French for lotions, shampoos, etc. (Except for cases where the identity of the cosmetics is clear, e.g. lipstick)

  • Net quantity - expressed in metric units (e.g. mL, g, etc.), may be written in English only.

  • Name and address of the manufacturer - Include address, website, email, etc. where consumers can contact you. If it is an imported product, indicate the address of the overseas business, Canadian seller (imported by, imported for), country of origin, etc.

  • Precautions and safe use (avoidable hazards and cautions) - described in the Caution section

  • Ingredients - When indicated as INCI, they can be written only in English. They must be included on the external packaging label, but do not need to be written on the internal label (must be visible to the consumer at the time of purchase).

Duties related to cosmetic product

In accordance with the Korea-Canada FTA, Canada's import tariff rate for Korean cosmetics (HS code: 3304.99) is 0, meaning no tariffs .

​Below is the 2024 Customs Tariff data from Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), and you can see that KRT (abbreviation for Korea Tariff) for 3304.99.1000 says Free.

Cosmetic Product tarrif.png

Canada Tariff 2024 (CBSA): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/2024/menu-eng.html

Canadian Food and Drug Legislation

Trufulfillment CNF Registration Service

True Fulfillment has been providing registration services for cosmetics to Health Canada from various cosmetics industry clients for many years. From single items to registration, we carefully check all ingredients to help with registration of products with the same main ingredients but variations in color, scent, and capacity. ​​​

Based on True Fulfillment’s accumulated experience, we provide a list of documents required for reporting , and we help you submit documents quickly and efficiently by filling out True Fulfillment’s unique questionnaire for reported products . After completing the required documents and filling out the application, registration will be completed within 48 hours and the Case Number and Submission Number will be shared as follows .

CNF submission.png

Example of registration for each ingredient in the full ingredient list (if there are no problems with the registered ingredients)

CI 17200.png

​Additionally, if registration is not possible due to a restricted or prohibited ingredient, we will help you prepare for re-registration by providing supplementary explanations on the use of the ingredient.

Talc-CoU.png

Trufulfillment’s professional cosmetics registration service is available for detailed consultation and cost inquiries by emailing support@trufulfillment.ca .

Trufulfillment CNF Registration Service

True Fulfillment has been providing registration services for cosmetics to Health Canada from various cosmetics industry clients for many years. From single items to registration, we carefully check all ingredients to help with registration of products with the same main ingredients but variations in color, scent, and capacity. ​​​

Based on True Fulfillment’s accumulated experience, we provide a list of documents required for reporting , and we help you submit documents quickly and efficiently by filling out True Fulfillment’s unique questionnaire for reported products . After completing the required documents and filling out the application, registration will be completed within 48 hours and the Case Number and Submission Number will be shared as follows .

Trufulfillment’s professional cosmetics registration service is available for detailed consultation and cost inquiries by emailing support@trufulfillment.ca .

bottom of page