LABELING OF COSMETICS

How Health Canada Regulates Cosmetic Ingredients in Canada.

A cosmetic label contains information that helps consumers make informed choices about the products they use, how to safely use the product, and how to contact the manufacturer if questions arise.

To comply with these requirements, cosmetic labels must include:

• an ingredient list (using the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system)
• the identity of the product, in English and French. In some cases a product identity declaration is bilingual in and of itself, such as “cologne” or “serviettes”.
• a statement of net quantity in metric units of measurement
• the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor
• warnings or cautions, in English and French
• directions for safe use of the product, in English and French according to provincial requirements

Further information for industry and professionals about labelling requirements and cosmetic ingredients are listed below.

• Labelling of Cosmetics
  Guidance document on labelling and packaging requirements for cosmetics.
• Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
  List of substances that are restricted and prohibited in cosmetics.
• Guide to Cosmetic Ingredient Labelling
  Overview of the INCI labelling requirements of the Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.
• Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients
  Information for consumers who are interested in how cosmetics and their ingredients are regulated.
• Labelling Requirements for Cosmetics in Pressurized Containers
  Summary of the labelling requirements for cosmetics sold in pressurized containers.

Source Health Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/labelling-etiquetage/index-eng.php

MANDATORY LABEL INFORMATION

Example of Liquid and Viscous Products with Mandatory Label Information:

A. Product Identity Declaration

B. Net Quantity Declaration

C. Dealer Name and Place of Business

BILINGUAL REQUIREMENTS

Labeling on products initially intended for other markets—such as the American market—will have to be adjusted according to particular language requirements specific to Canada and to the province of Québec. Most particularly, as English and French are both Canada’s “official languages,” labeling on prepackaged products must be bilingual, subject to certain exemptions, under the Canada Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.

Source: http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/01248.html

(R.S.C. 1985, c. C-38) and regulations (C.R.C., c. 417). In addition, French must be predominant in many instances in Québec, in accordance with the Charter of the French Language (R.S.Q., c. C-11).

LABELING AND PRODUCT INSCRIPTIONS

Under Section 51 of the Charter, product inscriptions, labels, product directions and warranties must be drafted in French. Inscriptions in other languages are permitted as the French inscription may be accompanied by one or more translations; however, the translations may not be given greater prominence than the text in French (Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business, c. C-11, r.9.01). Inscriptions concerning safety must be written in French and appear on the product or accompany it in a permanent manner.

Remember…

Any labelling requirement of the Cosmetic Regulations except INCI (International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients) must be in English and French sold anywhere in Canada. If you sell products in Quebec: under Bill 101, all must be in at least French (including any descriptions)

• Exception is the ingredients when listed in INCI as per the INCI Cosmetic Regulations

• Bill 101 = Quebec Charter of the French Language

• Particular Requirements for Certain Cosmetics (Page 11, section 22) : http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/C.R.C.,_c._869.pdf

Source: Interntional Trademark Association http://www.inta.org/INTABulletin/Pages/FrenchLanguageRequirementsinQu%C3%A9becWhatDoYouNeedtoKnow.aspx