Nov. 30 Canada: Packaging and Labelling Information for Reed Diffusers

From Health Canada:

Reed diffusers are home fragrance products that consist of a bottle, scented oils and reeds – thin wooden sticks used to diffuse the oil. Examples of reed diffusers are shown below (note that bottles and oils can come in various colours and sizes).

Health Canada has received reports of children ingesting the contents of reed diffuser products. There are several different types of oils used in reed diffuser products, some of which may be harmful if ingested. The colourful, fragrant oils and decorative material are likely to attract a child’s attention. Once the diffuser container is filled with the scented oil, the reeds are simply dropped into the filled bottle with one end submerged in the oil, making it readily accessible to toddlers or young children exploring their environment.

Under the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 (CCCR, 2001), all chemical products, including the oils used in reed diffusers, must be assessed by the manufacturer or importer to determine whether the product falls within any of the hazard categories specified by Parts 1 to 5 of the CCCR, 2001, such as “toxic” or “flammable”. Once assessed, these products may be subject to the labelling and packaging requirements of the CCCR, 2001. A product’s hazard category indicates whether any prohibition applies, if there are specific packaging requirements, such as child-resistant containers, and what statements must appear on the label of the container.

Certain information required by the CCCR, 2001 must be displayed on the main display panel of the product label such that it is clear and legible under normal conditions of sale and use.

Consumer chemical products and containers, including reed diffuser oils and the containers used to store the oils, which do not meet the requirements of the CCCR, 2001 cannot be advertised, imported or sold in Canada. Persons responsible for the import, advertisement or sale of reed diffusers in Canada are responsible for ensuring compliance with the CCCR, 2001 and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Health Canada regularly monitors the marketplace, and takes appropriate enforcement action as required.

We will keep you informed of any new developments, and if you are a manufacturer or importer of reed diffusers and oils contact us @ Nexreg to see how we can help you comply with the CCCR, 2001.