Forward Regulatory Plan 2021-2023: Regulations Amending the Cosmetic Regulations
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Regulations Amending the Cosmetic Regulations
Enabling Act
Food and Drugs Act
Description
Health Canada is proposing to introduce a requirement under the Cosmetic Regulations for the disclosure of specific fragrance allergens on the product label. In addition, Health Canada is proposing to amend the regulations to enhance regulatory oversight for cosmetics.
The amended regulations would inform consumers about the presence of specific fragrance allergens, outside of the term “parfum” that are present in the product. This would allow consumers to avoid products containing fragrance allergens to which they may be sensitive.
This regulatory initiative is a part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Stock Review Plan.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
This proposal is not part of a formal regulatory cooperation work plan.
The proposal would align Canada’s requirements with those established by the European Commission. The disclosure of fragrance allergens on labels has been a requirement in the European Union since 2005.
The United States Food and Drug Administration is also exploring voluntary measures for disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The proposed amendments would increase consumer protection, specifically of vulnerable individuals, who are sensitive to fragrance allergens by requiring that specific fragrance allergens be disclosed on the label.
The cosmetic products industry would be impacted by this proposal as it would introduce label updates to many cosmetic products. To reduce the burden on industry, Health Canada will determine an appropriate coming-into-force strategy and other solutions, such as e-labelling options for small packaging.
Other proposed amendments are expected to improve the Department’s risk assessments and support current enforcement practices. These are anticipated to have minimal impact on industry.
Consultations
Canadians will be given an opportunity to comment on the regulatory proposal through a notice to interested parties that is expected to be published on the Government of Canada website in late spring 2021, with a public comment period.
Canadians will have an additional opportunity to provide comments on the regulatory proposal during the Canada Gazette, Part I, public comment period, which is expected to take place in late spring 2022.
Based on feedback received in the most recent review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, it is expected that environmental non-governmental organizations will be supportive of the labelling proposal.
Information on other previous consultations and details on upcoming opportunities for consultation in the area of consumer products can be found on the Canada.ca website.
Further information
Additional information may be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Nicholas Shipley
Director
Risk Management Bureau
Consumer and Hazardous Products Safety Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-960-1351
Email: hc.cosmetics.sc@canada.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
April 1, 2021 (TBC)
Consult Health Canada's acts and regulations web page for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by Health Canada
- further information on Health Canada's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:
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