We classify your product
Cosmetic, drug (DIN) or natural health product (NPN), based on claims and ingredients.
Classification memo
Market · Canada
We prepare your cosmetics for Canada.
CSL regulatory specialists classify your product, screen it against the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, file your Cosmetic Notification Form with Health Canada and review your bilingual labels.
Guires Cosmetic Science Lab
Canada cosmetic compliance from Guires CSL
Health Canada Cosmetic Notification Form filing, Hotlist screening and bilingual label review for cosmetics sold in Canada.
Start your project with Guires CSLDaysto file a Cosmetic Notification Form
10 daysdeadline after first sale
EN + FRbilingual label review
DIN / NPNroutes for drug-like products
Cosmetic Notification Form · Hotlistthe rules we work to. Timelines are indicative and confirmed in your proposal.
What we do for you
Your Canada launch, handled end to end.
We do the regulatory work so your team can focus on the launch. Choose the whole service or only the parts you need.
We screen against the Hotlist
Every ingredient checked against Health Canada’s prohibited and restricted list.
Hotlist reportWe file your Cosmetic Notification Form
Filed within ten days of first sale and updated when the product changes.
CNF confirmationWe review your bilingual labels
English and French requirements, INCI list and the expanded fragrance-allergen disclosure.
Label reportWe prepare DIN or NPN applications
For sunscreens and other products that fall outside the cosmetic category.
DIN / NPN dossierHow it works
From brief to on-shelf.
Indicative timings once complete data is in hand. We give dates for your products in the proposal.
- Week 1Classification
Cosmetic, DIN or NPN
- Week 1Hotlist screen
Ingredient check
- Week 1–2Label review
English–French artwork
- At launchCNF filing
Within ten days of first sale
- +2–6 monthsDIN / NPN (if needed)
Health Canada review
What you receive
Your documents.
- Classification memoFrom: classify your product
- Hotlist reportFrom: screen against the Hotlist
- CNF confirmationFrom: file your Cosmetic Notification Form
- Label reportFrom: review your bilingual labels
- DIN / NPN dossierFrom: prepare DIN or NPN applications
What we need from you
To get started.
- Formula with percentages
- Label artwork (English and French)
- Product claims
- Canadian importer or distributor details
Missing something? We run the tests or prepare the documents for you.
Special routes
Things to know early.
Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens need a DIN; some mineral sunscreens follow the natural health product route.
Fragrance allergens
New disclosure rules are phasing in for new and existing products.
Packages
Three ways to enter Canada.
Every package is quoted per product after a formula review.
Market entry
For finished products with data in hand.
- Formula review for the market
- Safety file or dossier
- Notification or registration filing
- Local representative role (where we offer it)
Launch ready
For new products that still need testing.
- Everything in Market entry
- Testing the file needs (stability, challenge, safety)
- Label and claims review
- Artwork corrections before print
Compliance partner
For brands selling in several markets.
- Everything in Launch ready
- Regulatory watch for your portfolio
- File updates when formulas or suppliers change
- Renewals, export documents and a named specialist
Questions
Asked before we start.
Is there pre-market approval for cosmetics in Canada?
No. You notify Health Canada within ten days of first sale, but the product must already comply.
Do labels have to be bilingual?
Yes, most mandatory information must be in English and French. The INCI list does not need translating.
Are sunscreens cosmetics in Canada?
No. They are drugs or natural health products, depending on the ingredients.
Other markets
Often on the same launch list.
Start a project
Create your next product with CSL.
Our formulation chemists, testing scientists and regulatory specialists work alongside your team, from the first brief to a market-ready product. Bring a brief, a benchmark or just an idea: a scientist will reply within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.