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1. Canada to Tighten the Use Restrictions on Talc-based Cosmetics
Canada has previously restricted the use of Talc in children’s cosmetics. Recently, based on the latest scientific findings and the final screening assessment completed in 2021, Canada concluded that talc-based products could cause health problems such as lung damage and ovarian cancer if inhaled or applied to the perineal area. Therefore, Canada consulted on the Risk Management Approach for Talc on April 24, 2021, proposing to expand the restrictions on the use of talc in certain cosmetics, natural health products and over-counter drugs, and requiring such products to carry warnings and use precautions. The public comment period ended June 23, 2021.
On May 22, 2021, the Government issued another 60-day public consultation on the order to add talc to the “List of Toxic Substances” in Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The proposed restriction will apply to talc-based cosmetics products including baby powders, body powder, loose face powder, diaper and rash creams, genital antiperspirants and deodorants, body wipes, bath bombs and bubble bath. [Reference Link]
2. Canada to Tighten the Use Restrictions on Chlorocresol
According to a draft screening assessment published by Canada on July 27, 2019, the cosmetics biocide chlorocresol (Phenol, 4-chloro-3-methylphenol, CAS No. 59-50-7) may pose a health risk to adrenal glands, especially through its use in body moisturizer creams and lotions. If confirmed, the Government might consider some risk management actions for the ingredient.
On May 22, the Government of Canada published the final screening assessment confirming these findings. Besides, it also launched a 60-day public consultation on the proposed Risk Management Approach for Chlorocresol, which outlines the risk management measures the Government is considering, including:
Adding chlorocresol to the "List of Toxic Substances" in Schedule 1 of CEPA;
Defining chlorocresol as a prohibited or restricted ingredient on Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
The period for the public comments has ended on July 21, 2021. [Reference Link]
3. Canada Consulted on the Potential Amendments to the Cosmetic Regulations
On July 16, 2021, Health Canada opened a public consultation, proposing to amend the Cosmetics Regulations. The main contents of the proposed amendments include:
Increase a requirement to disclose specific fragrance allergens on labels of cosmetics;
Allow flexibility for the disclosure of ingredients and specific fragrance allergens on labels of small packages;
Improve oversight of cosmetics by clarifying terminology and improving the detailed level of information submitted in a cosmetic notification, as well as enhancing compliance and enforcement oversight over evidence of cosmetic safety requests;
Address administrative updates.
The comment period lasts 45 days until 30 August 2021. Stakeholders who want to participate in the pre-consultation should send an email to [email protected] to request a comment package. Health Canada will send back a copy of Notice to Interested Parties and instructions on how to provide comments. [Reference Link]
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