Helpful Resources:

​

Canada’s 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), as listed by Global Affairs Canada:
The Free Trade Agreements

 

• This page provides a categorized list of all FTAs, Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs), and WTO agreements.

 

Link to the Canada Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), which supports businesses expanding internationally: (Support for American-based businesses nearshoring in Canada)

Canadian Trade Commissioner
 

• Useful for American-based businesses looking to collaborate or expand via Canada.

 

Why exporters do better with Canada’s trade agreements?

When expanding into global markets, Canadian made products have a definite competitive advantage in countries governed by one of Canada's 15 free trade agreements (FTAs). Besides removing tariffs on goods and services, FTAs open doors to vast opportunities and make it easier to do business around the world.  Learn more about the Canadian Advantage.

Why Canadian-Made Products do Better

 

• Useful for American-based business looking to understand how custom manufacturing and exporting through Canada will help them grow faster, make more money, and be better connected and more competitive on a global basis. 

 

For American-based companies planning to manufacture cosmetics in Canada, here are the key government regulations and requirements you need to be aware of:

 

1. Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act

All cosmetics sold in Canada must comply with the Cosmetic Regulations (C.R.C., c. 869), which fall under the Food and Drugs Act. These regulations cover:

• Ingredient safety

• Labeling requirements

• Prohibited and restricted substances

• Notification of sale

• Packaging and claims

 

Full Regulations:

 Cosmetic Regulations (C.R.C., c. 869)

​

2. Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)

Before selling a cosmetic in Canada, you must submit a Cosmetic Notification Form to Health Canada within 10 days of first sale. This includes:

• Product name

• Ingredients and their concentrations

• Manufacturer and distributor details

 

Learn more:
Cosmetic Notification Requirements

 

3. Guidelines for Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors

Health Canada provides a comprehensive guide that outlines:

• What qualifies as a cosmetic

• Roles and responsibilities of manufacturers and importers

• Compliance expectations and enforcement

 

Read the guide:
Guidelines for Cosmetics Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors

​

4. Ingredient Safety and Prohibited Substances

Canada maintains a Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, which lists substances that are either prohibited or restricted in cosmetics. You can access the full Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist from Health Canada at the following official link:

Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist – Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients

 

This Hotlist includes:

• Prohibited Ingredients: Substances that must not be present in any cosmetic product sold in Canada.

• Restricted Ingredients: Substances that may be used only under specific conditions, such as concentration limits or mandatory label warnings.

• It’s updated regularly based on new scientific evidence and regulatory changes.

 

5. The Canadian Tariff Finder

The Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian businesses to check export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement. The tool shows the tariff rates generally applicable to all nations (most-favored-nation status).  It also shows the preferential rates applicable to Canada when a Free Trade Agreement is in place (preferred-trade status), including the phasing-out period of such tariffs when applicable.​

Find Tariffs Quickly

​​​