+34 603 445 673 
Updated Guide for Cosmetic Notifications (CNF)
In March-April 2025, Health Canada released an updated version of the Guide for Cosmetic Notification, which affects how cosmetic products must be notified to Health Canada before market entry. Key changes include a mandatory Canadian address requirement for the manufacturer or importer in the CNF to ensure a proper regulatory contact within Canada.
Cosmetic companies selling their products in Canada now need a Canadian Address to notify the products, so Health Canada updated contact fields and ingredient declaration practices in the CNF to improve transparency.
Strengthened emphasis on correct classification of products (e.g., leave-on vs. rinse-off) to align safety requirements with intended use was also implemented.
Strengthened Labelling & Ingredient Transparency: Bilingual Labelling
Health Canada’s regulatory approach in 2025 continues to focus on improved transparency, adding labelling requirements, including an emphasis on detailed bilingual labelling (English and French) for products sold in Canada, as both are official languages in the country.
Reinforced compliance with existing Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act, which still require the INCI listing of ingredients and notification within 10 days of first sale.
Fragrance Allergen Disclosure Requirements (Transition)
Although the main regulatory provisions were adopted earlier, 2025 marks progression of phased requirements for fragrance allergen disclosure. An updated guidance and notifications are preparing the industry for mandatory disclosure of specified fragrance allergens on both the product label and CNF once the requirements fully take effect in 2026/2028. The newly added allergens of the EU Cosmetics Regulation should be disclosed also at cosmetic products placed in Canada.
Proposed Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist Updates (Consultation)
In late 2025, Health Canada opened public consultations on proposed changes to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, which would potentially prohibit or restrict additional ingredients (e.g., Basic Violet 4, Basic Blue 7, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide) based on safety concerns, and also revise certain entries (e.g., furocoumarins) to restrict usage in leave-on products while also reviewing substances like Tea Tree Oil. This reflects ongoing chemical risk assessment and stakeholder engagement in regulatory evolution.
The last modification made in August 2022 and now implemented, restricted the use of Ethylhexyl Ethylhexanoate, Azelaic acid & salts, amended the use of Retinoic acid & salts and added cautions for Eucalyptus oil in products >0.022%.
Key Ingredient Reviews ongoing now are Tea Tree Oil (TTO) based on the evaluation made by the SCCS, concluded safe with restrictions (e.g., 0.1% in face creams, 2% in shampoo) if it meets ISO 4730:2017 standards, highlighting stability concerns.
How Cosmeservice Supports You in Your Canada’s Compliance Journey
Cosmeservice assists international brands in meeting every requirement of several Cosmetics Regulations, also in Canada. Our team provides ingredient reviews, safety assessments, PIF development, labelling verification and ongoing regulatory monitoring, helping companies maintain compliance as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
We can act as your Responsible Person in Canada as well, as we recently opened our offices in Ontario. For personalised guidance on how recent and future regulatory developments may affect products sold in Canada, contact us at info@cosmeservice.com.
