Canada has announced new regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight of chemical substances used in cosmetics and consumer products. Regulatory notices published on 27 June 2026 introduce immediate conditions for the use of Castor Oil, Monomaleate, while proposing new notification requirements for Triethanolamine (TEA), N, N-Diethanoldodecanamide (LDE) and Cocamide DEA (CDE).
New Conditions for Castor Oil, Monomaleate
Under measures published by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the manufacture and import of Castor Oil, Monomaleate are now subject to specific regulatory conditions after the substance was identified as potentially toxic or capable of becoming toxic under certain circumstances.
The ministerial conditions entered into force on 10 June 2026 and are immediately applicable to relevant manufacturers and importers.
Proposed Significant New Activity (SNAc) Requirements
Canada has also proposed applying Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to several alkanolamines and fatty alkanolamides.
If adopted, companies would be required to notify the Canadian authorities before marketing products containing these substances above specified concentration thresholds.
The proposal includes notification triggers for:
- Triethanolamine (TEA) used above specified levels in certain oral care products and air fresheners;
- N,N-Diethanoldodecanamide (LDE) used in leave-on cosmetic products above defined thresholds;
- Cocamide DEA (CDE) used above specified concentrations in shampoos, liquid soaps, and leave-on cosmetics.
Where applicable, companies would need to submit a notification at least 90 days before commencing the proposed activity.
Public Consultation Open Until August 2026
The public consultation period will remain open until 27 August 2026.
If the proposal is adopted, the new requirements are expected to affect manufacturers across the:
- Cosmetics
- Personal care
- Household cleaning
- Air freshener
Industries by introducing additional compliance obligations for formulation development, ingredient selection, and supply chain management.
What Does This Mean for the Cosmetics Industry?
The proposed Canadian cosmetic ingredient regulations will require manufacturers, importers, and brand owners to carefully review products containing TEA, LDE, Cocamide DEA, and Castor Oil, Monomaleate.
Companies marketing products in Canada should evaluate their formulations early and monitor the progress of the consultation process to ensure timely compliance with any new notification and regulatory requirements.