Updates to the Cosmetic Notification Form

by | Apr 6, 2026 | Canadian Quality Assurance, Canadian Regulatory, Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, Cosmetics, Health Canada Updates

Health Canada recently announced significant updates to the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) and the Guide for Cosmetic Notifications. These changes introduce a ‘flexible approach’ to how companies disclose fragrance allergens, balancing consumer safety with a streamlined notification process.

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know to stay compliant:

1.The ‘Flexible Approach’ for CNF Submissions

      In most cases, companies are no longer required to provide the exact concentration or concentration range on the CNF for fragrance allergens. However, there is a major exception:

      • If a fragrance allergen has a specific concentration-related condition listed on the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, providing the exact concentration or range remains mandatory.

      2. Reminder: Mandatory Labeling Requirements (April 12, 2026)

        Starting April 12, 2026, fragrance allergens must be disclosed within the ingredient list on cosmetic labels if they exceed the following thresholds:

        • 0.001% for leave-on products
        • 0.01% for rinse-off products

        This change is designed to help consumers with known allergies make informed, safe purchasing decisions.

        3. Changes to the Cosmetic Notification Form (Section 5)

          To accommodate these updates, Section 5 of the CNF has been revised:

          • The ‘Fragrance Allergen’ checkbox has been renamed to ‘Fragrance allergen present above the disclosure threshold’.
          • You must enter one fragrance allergen per ingredient line and check this box if the concentration exceeds the limits mentioned above.
          • While the flexible approach allows for less details on the CNF, Health Canada still encourages manufacturers and importers to provide exact concentrations when possible.

          Navigating these new regulatory thresholds can be complex. Contact us if you need assistance submitting CNFs or performing label reviews to stay compliant.