INCI: Information Letter to Stakeholders

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Cosmetics Program
Consumer Product Safety Bureau
Product Safety Programme
Health Canada

September 2006

Attention: Interested Stakeholders

Subject: Compliance with section 21 of the Cosmetic Regulations regarding mandatory ingredient labelling of cosmetics.

On December 1, 2004, Health Canada published amendments to the Cosmetic Regulations regarding mandatory ingredient labelling. These regulations become effective November 16, 2006. Products manufactured or imported into Canada as of that date are required to have ingredient labelling, using the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system.

The purpose of cosmetic ingredient labelling is to enhance the safety of the Canadian public by making available to users valuable information concerning the composition of cosmetics. Using the INCI system provides for uniform and consistent information to be delivered to both health professionals and the public in an internationally recognized format.

An additional one year transition period will be provided to retailers to allow depletion of inventory. Therefore, effective November 16^th, 2007, all cosmetic products available to the Canadian market are required to be in compliance with the Cosmetic Regulations. Compliance and enforcement actions taken will be determined on a case-by-base basis. Actions can be taken at any level in the distribution chain if circumstances warrant, such as in response to consumer or industry complaints or health and safety concerns.

For additional information, please refer to the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) Labelling Compliance and Enforcement Policy, as well as the FAQs regarding mandatory cosmetic ingredient labelling on Health Canada's Cosmetics & Personal Care website (www.healthcanada.ca/cosmetics), or contact your local Product Safety Office (1-888-662-0666).

Luisa Carter-Phillips
Acting Director
Consumer Product Safety Bureau