Why do I need to file a CNF before selling cosmetics in Canada?

Health Canada requires a CNF for every cosmetic product sold in Canada, whether it’s sold online, through a retailer, or shipped directly to consumers.
Filing a CNF shows that:

Your brand understands and complies with Canadian cosmetic laws,

Your products are safe and correctly classified,

Retailers and importers can confidently work with you.

Failing to file can result in products being flagged, delayed at customs, removed from shelves, or reported by competitors.

What if my products are already being sold in Canada without a CNF?

Health Canada does not penalize you for late filing, but they expect you to correct the issue going forward.

Filing now:

Protects you from future enforcement actions,

Shows retailers and regulators that you take compliance seriously,

Sets a strong foundation for scaling into larger retailers or distributors.

It’s never too late to get compliant — but the sooner you start, the smoother your growth will be.

Who files the CNF: my company, my importer, or my Canadian agent?

If you have a Canadian importer/distributor:
They typically file the CNF on your behalf.

If you sell direct-to-consumer (DTC) or act as your own importer:
You must either file the CNF yourself or appoint a Canadian Agent to handle filings and act as Health Canada’s point of contact.

At Curated & Regulated, we offer Canadian Agent Services to submit CNFs and manage regulatory communication for you.

What information is needed to file a CNF?

What information is needed to file a CNF?

Health Canada requires:

-Bilingual product name,

-Net quantity,

-Dealer name and address (Canadian point of contact),

-Full INCI ingredient list,

-Any required cautionary statements.

We organize all of this into a CNF Master File to ensure accuracy and consistency across every sales channel.

How much does it cost to have my products reviewed for compliance?

Pricing depends on:

The number of products, the complexity of formulations, whether you need Canadian Agent representation.

Our CNF Review & Market Readiness Service provides:

A detailed compliance review of ingredients, labels, and claims,

A single verified CNF master file,

Clear next steps to move forward confidently.

Contact us for a customized quote based on your product line.

Do you provide CNF submission support?

Yes — but only after a full compliance review.

Once your products are verified, we can:

-File CNFs as your Canadian Agent,

-Maintain required records for three years,

-Serve as your ongoing point of contact with Health Canada.