For Turkish manufacturers looking to export food and cosmetic products to Canada, it is crucial to comply not only with the FDA but also with Canada’s own food and health authorities. Just as the FDA registration process is well-known in the U.S., it is equally essential in Canada to work in compliance with Health Canada, the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), and other regulatory bodies.
In this blog post, we explain the regulations encountered when exporting food and cosmetics to Canada, pre-import permits, logistical preparations, specific documentation required for those selling on platforms such as Amazon and Shopify, and the differences between the U.S. and Canada. We also cover the same topic in our article “How to Obtain an FWS Import/Export License When Exporting to the U.S.? 2025.”
CFIA Procedures for Exporting Food and Cosmetics to Canada
The first step for companies exporting food to Canada is to comply with the export requirements regulated by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency). All food products shipped from Turkey require a permit under the 'Safe Food for Canadians Regulations'(SFCR).
Necessary actions:
- Obtaining a 'Safe Food for Canadians License' (SFCR) through a Canadian importer
- English and French language labels
- Providing nutrient tables in a Canadian-specific format
- Food classification and product descriptions comply with the CFIA database
Canadian Cosmetic Product Registration Process (Health Canada)
Cosmetic products are regulated in Canada by Health Canada, not the FDA. A 'Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF)' must be completed for products prior to export and label content must meet Health Canada's 'Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist' criteria.
What needs to be done:
- Entering the CNF (Cosmetic Notification Form) form into the online system
- Preparation of INCI compliant content list
- Product labeling is bilingual and compliant with claim statements
- Appropriate positioning of packaging safety warnings
Canada Customs Clearance: Support That Makes a Difference for Perfume, Food, Cosmetics
Like our solution partner in the U.S., our logistics partner in Canada can also arrange the import of products classified as HAZMAT or requiring special customs processing (e.g., perfume, deodorant, sprays, medical creams). If you need assistance with this process, please check out our U.S.-Canada Customs Consulting service.
In this way:
- Canadian customs clearance is done within Canada, eliminating complex transportation requirements from Turkey
- Products are ready for sale on Amazon.ca or Shopify
- MSDS, labeling and formulation control in accordance with Canadian standards
Compliance Process for Amazon.ca and Shopify
For exporters selling through Amazon or Shopify in Canada, both commercial and regulatory compliance of products is mandatory. Amazon Canada is looking for Health Canada compliance, especially in the food and cosmetics categories.
- Our consulting services for Amazon.ca and Shopify:
- Special label design for Canada
- Category eligibility assessment for cosmetics & food products
- Presentation of regulatory documents in the product listing process
Frequently Asked Questions
Which agencies are dealing with this in Canada instead of the FDA?
The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) is authorized for food and Health Canada for cosmetics and health products.
What is the CNF form?
The Cosmetic Notification Form is the notification form submitted to Health Canada for cosmetic products for sale in Canada.
Tags Is English enough?
No, in Canada, labels must be in both English and French.
Will Amazon Canada check the compatibility of my product?
Yes, the Amazon.ca platform monitors Health Canada and CFIA compliance, especially for food and cosmetics.
How does your logistics partner handle Canadian customs clearance?
After the products are sent to Canada, import and customs clearance procedures are completed through our representative in Canada.
Is the MSDS certificate mandatory?
For products classified as HAZMAT, yes, MSDS document must be submitted.
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