Cosmetic Notifications

The Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) is an electronic submission required by Health Canada for all cosmetics manufacturers intending to sell their products in Canada. This registration must be completed prior to product distribution.

The CNF requires essential information such as the manufacturer’s name and address, the full list of product ingredients, the product name, its form, and the intended application areas. Effective since January 1, 2009, compliance with the CNF is mandatory for all cosmetic manufacturers looking to enter the Canadian market.

Recent updates emphasize stricter labeling requirements to ensure transparency and consumer protection. Cosmetic product labels must contain accurate and truthful information about the product, including details of its intended use and application, and must comply with Health Canada’s regulations before the product can be marketed. Inaccurate or misleading claims regarding product contents, quality, or safety are prohibited.

All labeling must be clear, legible, and in English (or French where applicable in Canada), and should be displayed prominently on the outer packaging or immediate container of the cosmetic product. In cases where the container size or shape does not allow full labeling, supplementary leaflets or pamphlets must be provided, but the product name and batch reference must still appear on the immediate packaging.

Products without restricted or prohibited ingredients are typically processed within 24 to 48 hours, and a cosmetic notification number is issued upon completion. For products containing restricted substances, manual review by Health Canada is required, though no fixed service standard for manual processing has been set.

Furthermore, cosmetics labeled as “for professional use only” are restricted to professional settings, such as salons or clinics, and must not be sold directly to consumers. Professional-use products are designed for use by trained individuals who are familiar with the risks and proper application methods, ensuring consumer safety.