Health Canada has provided an update on the Implementation of Advance Notice of Importation Process Pilot for Cosmetics and Drugs, March 2015.
Health Canada has implemented a one-year pilot program from March 13, 2015 to March 11, 2016, to promote compliance with the implementation of a process for the advance notice of importation of cosmetics and drugs under section (s.) 9 of the Cosmetic Regulations (CR) or s.A.01.044 of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).
For the duration of the 1 year pilot, regulated parties may use the Advance Notice of Importation Form to provide Health Canada with advance notice of multiple products imported within a 3 month period.
The importation for sale of non-compliant cosmetics and non-compliant drugs, including Natural Health Products is prohibited however they are allowed if two specific conditions are met. The conditions are that the importer provides advance notice to a Health Canada inspector of the proposed importation; and the product is re-labelled or modified as required to enable its sale to be lawful in Canada.
The Health Canada notice is available here, with detailed information on the pilot program. In addition, the Cosmetic Regulations can be viewed here.