Canadian Cosmetic Regulations Explained for International Brands
Expanding into a new market is exciting, but it comes with a maze of rules and requirements. For cosmetic brands entering Canada, Health Canada’s regulations are the gatekeepers to success.
Whether you’re a growing SME or an established international brand, understanding these rules is essential to avoid customs delays, rejected products, or costly recalls.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Canadian cosmetic compliance — from Cosmetic Notification Forms (CNFs) to bilingual labeling requirements — so you can launch with confidence.
Why Canadian Cosmetic Compliance Matters
The Canadian market is attractive for many beauty brands because of its:
Diverse and ingredient-savvy consumers,
Clear but strict regulatory framework,
Proximity to the U.S. and alignment with EU standards.
But many foreign brands underestimate how different Canada’s cosmetic rules are, especially when it comes to bilingual labels and mandatory notifications.
If you ship products without following Canadian regulations, you risk:
Shipments being delayed or refused at the border,
Products pulled from store shelves by retailers,
Regulatory fines and enforcement actions,
Permanent damage to your brand reputation with Canadian retailers.
The Role of Health Canada
Health Canada is the federal authority that regulates all cosmetics under the Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations.
Unlike some regions, Canada does not “approve” cosmetics before sale.
Instead, companies must notify Health Canada and comply with all safety, labeling, and record-keeping requirements.
Health Canada’s focus areas include:
Product safety and ingredient restrictions (e.g., Hotlist rules),
Consumer labeling and bilingual requirements,
Accurate record retention and traceability.
Think of Health Canada as your market gatekeeper — they don’t review products before sale, but they do enforce compliance after the fact, often without warning.
Key Requirements for Selling Cosmetics in Canada
Before you launch, make sure you have these five elements in place:
Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)
Mandatory filing for each product within 10 days of first sale in Canada.Bilingual Labeling
English and French must both appear on all mandatory label elements.Ingredient Compliance
Certain ingredients are banned or restricted under Health Canada’s Hotlist.Canadian Point of Contact
Health Canada must have a Canadian-based contact for every brand.Record Retention
CNFs and related documents must be kept securely for three years after the last sale.
The Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)
The CNF is the foundation of Canadian compliance. It’s not optional, even if you:
Only sell direct-to-consumer (DTC) through your website,
Ship to a single retailer,
Or believe your formulas are “natural” or “low risk.”
What the CNF includes:
Full INCI ingredient list with concentrations,
Product classification (leave-on, rinse-off, area of use),
Contact details for the manufacturer, importer, and Canadian Agent,
First sale date.
Who Files the CNF?
If you have a Canadian distributor:
They typically file on your behalf.If you don’t have a Canadian distributor:
You must file the CNF yourself or appoint a Canadian Agent to handle filings and maintain records.
Pro Tip: A CNF must be submitted within 10 days of first sale. Late filings won’t trigger penalties if corrected quickly, but shipping without a CNF risks border issues.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Health Canada maintains the Hotlist, which outlines:
Prohibited ingredients (cannot be used at all),
Restricted ingredients (allowed only under certain limits and with warnings).
Example:
Salicylic Acid is restricted to 0.5% in leave-on products and must include a sun sensitivity warning on the label.
Stay Updated: The Hotlist is revised regularly. Major updates were released in March and April 2025, so always double-check before submitting a CNF or launching a new product.
Bilingual Labeling Requirements
Canada is a bilingual country, so all mandatory label elements must appear in both English and French.
Mandatory bilingual elements include:
Product identity,
Net quantity,
Dealer (manufacturer or importer) name and address,
Cautionary statements and warnings,
Ingredient list using INCI names.
Example: “Moisturizing Cream” must also appear as “Crème Hydratante.”
Common Label Errors
Missing French translations,
Incorrect INCI formatting,
Dealer address outside Canada,
Overlapping claims that make the product a drug or NHP.
Record Retention Rules
Health Canada requires you to keep copies of:
CNFs,
Labels,
Safety data,
Supporting documentation.
These records must be securely retained for three years after the last sale of the product.
At Curated & Regulated, we maintain these records for you as part of our Canadian Agent Services, ensuring seamless compliance and traceability.
The Role of a Canadian Agent
If your company does not have a physical presence in Canada, Health Canada requires you to appoint a Canadian Agent.
The Agent’s Role:
Submit CNFs on your behalf,
Maintain records for three years,
Act as Health Canada’s point of contact.
The Agent’s Limitations:
They do not assume legal responsibility for product safety or labeling,
They do not replace your distributor.
How to Prepare for Canadian Market Entry
Here’s a simplified roadmap for foreign brands:
Step 1: Verify Your Products
Check each formula against the Hotlist.
Identify potential claim issues (cosmetic vs. drug classification).
Step 2: Review Your Labels
Confirm bilingual requirements are met.
Verify INCI formatting.
Step 3: Organize Your Data
Prepare ingredient lists, percentages, and packaging details.
Step 4: Determine Who Files the CNF
Distributor, agent, or internal team.
Step 5: Submit and Store
File the CNF,
Retain records for three years.
Pro Tip: Create a CNF Master File to keep all your data consistent across distributors and sales channels.
Why CNF Master Files Are Essential
If you sell through multiple retailers or a mix of DTC and wholesale, having one verified CNF master file prevents:
Duplicate filings,
Conflicting ingredient data,
Delays caused by mismatched submissions.
Our Service:
At Curated & Regulated, we build CNF master files to ensure every importer and retailer uses the same accurate data, protecting your brand and streamlining growth.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers incredible growth potential for cosmetic brands — but only if you navigate its regulatory landscape correctly.
By:
Understanding the Cosmetic Regulations,
Filing accurate CNFs,
Meeting bilingual labeling requirements,
And appointing a trusted Canadian Agent,
You can launch smoothly and avoid costly setbacks.
Next Steps
Contact us for a CNF Review
Get a professional assessment of your formulations, labels, and claims.Appoint a Canadian Agent
Simplify ongoing filings and Health Canada communication.
Ready to enter the Canadian market confidently?
Start with a CNF Review