Health Canada Consultations: Laser Devices & Cosmetics (Perfume)

Trade Update • JULY 27, 2021

Health Canada is currently in the process of consulting with stakeholders regarding two sets of proposed regulatory amendments, both with closure dates of August 30, 2021.

Proposal to Amend the Cosmetic Regulations

Health Canada is currently seeking stakeholders’ comments and feedback regarding potential amendments to the Cosmetic Regulations.

The regulatory initiative’s main objective is to better inform consumers about the presence of specific fragrance allergens in cosmetics that are currently captured on labels under the word “parfum”. Disclosure of this information on labels of cosmetics would help strengthen consumer decision-making and help to protect their health.

The following amendments are being considered by Health Canada:

• Add 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 level of detail for information submitted in a cosmetic notification, in order to facilitate its use for risk management purposes;
  • enhancing compliance and enforcement oversight with regard to who is responsible for responding to evidence of safety requests for cosmetics; and
  • Address administrative updates.

Stakeholders and others interested in participating should send an email (indicate “Cosmetic Regulations” in the subject line) to: hc.cosmetics.sc@canada.ca requesting a comment package. A copy of the consultation document and instructions on how to share your feedback will be provided. Comments must be received by no later than August 30, 2021.

Potential Amendments to the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Laser Devices)

The Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate of Health Canada is inviting comments on proposed changes to the requirements for lasers outlined in Schedule II of the Radiation Emitting Device Regulations (REDR). These proposed changes aim to protect Canadians from laser radiation hazards, align Canadian requirements with international standards, and address a broader range of laser devices.

Specific areas where input is required include:

• Introduction of new broad laser requirements aligned with sections of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s Standard (“IEC 60825-1, Safety of Laser Products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements, Ed. 3.0, 2014”).
• Requirements for minimum design features, appropriate warning labels, and accompanying safety information for specific laser classes/hazard levels.
• Specific Canadian deviations from the standard under consideration.
• Class limits for specific types of laser devices potential impacts of removing the existing requirements for Laser Scanners (Part VII) and Demonstration Lasers (Part VIII).
• Exemption of certain devices from the requirements of IEC 60825-1 “Safety of Laser Products.”

Health Canada states that the input gathered through this process will be used to inform next steps in the project.

Stakeholders and others interested in participating should send an email (indicate “Laser Consultation” in the subject line) to: hc.erhsdgeneral-dssergenerale.sc@canada.ca requesting a comment package. A copy of the consultation document and instructions on how to share your feedback will be provided. Comments must be received by no later than August 30, 2021.