The Government of Canada has implemented numerous measures to reduce the amount of heavy metals to which Canadians are exposed, including not allowing their intentional use in cosmetics.

Health Canada had published a list of recommended impurity limits for cosmetic products which was effective from 20 Jul, 2012. Heavy metal impurity concentrations in cosmetic products are seen to be technically avoidable when the following limits are exceeded:
◇   Lead = 10 ppm
◇   Arsenic = 3 ppm
◇   Cadmium = 3 ppm
◇   Mercury = 3 ppm
◇   Antimony = 5 ppm

It is the manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure that the finished cosmetic product contains as few heavy metal impurities as possible so that it does not exceed the limits set out above. Health Canada will take action as deemed appropriate for products that contain heavy metals beyond the limits listed above.

The cosmetic regulations define "manufacturer" as a person, a partnership or an unincorporated association that sells, or manufactures and sells, a cosmetic under its own name or under a trade-mark, design, trade name or other name or mark owned or controlled by it.

This guidance is not intended to substitute or supersede the requirements under the legislation. In case of discrepancy between this guidance and the legislation, the legislation will prevail.

The Solution:
Intertek, an internationally accredited laboratory, offers an extensive variety of solutions and services to a wide range of industries.

In order to cope with your needs on these laws compliance, Intertek has developed precise analytical methods in verifying the heavy metal impurity concentrations in cosmetic products. By leveraging our local services and global network, we enable our customers to dedicate their primary energies to their core business activities.