Health Canada clarifies labeling regs

Cosmetic products with "small, ornamental, non-existent or odd packaging" are addressed in agency's 1clarification of labeling requirements under Canada's Food and Drugs Act. Health department says firms marketing products housed in containers or outside packages so small that they cannot comply with regulations - such as eyeliner pencils, lipsticks or nail enamel - can affix a list of ingredients on a tag, tape or card. It notes that "ingredient list tear-away pads at point of sale, such as those used in the United States for these types of cosmetics," are not accepted for such items under Canadian law. An ingredient list similarly may be affixed to a product container bearing no promotional or advertising material other than a trade-name that "is sold as a decorative ornament in addition to being sold as the container of a cosmetic." A perfume bottle or key chain bauble that contains a lip balm might qualify as such, according to April document. In the case that a container's odd size, shape or texture makes it impractical to attach a tag, tape or card, an ingredient tear-away pad, leaflet or sign can be used "at the point where exposed for sale.