Furocoumarins: Regulatory developments in Switzerland and Canada

As of 1 January 2026, an amendment (RU 2025 824) to the Swiss Cosmetics Ordinance introduced a more targeted regulatory approach to furocoumarins. The revised provision focuses on the sum of eight specific furocoumarins as set out in OCos (RS 817.023.31).

This amendment applies immediately to products placed on the Swiss market and represents an important step in refining the regulatory framework for these naturally occurring substances. The new Swiss approach is aligned with IFRA’s updated policy and revised Standard on furocoumarins, which forms part of the ongoing Consultation of the 52nd Amendment to the IFRA Standards.

In parallel, IFRA is preparing comments in response to Health Canada’s Hotlist Ingredient Review on furocoumarins and imperatorin. This consultation is open until 17 February 2026 and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the Canadian regulatory review process.

IFRA continues to monitor international regulatory developments closely and to engage proactively with authorities to support science-based, harmonised approaches to consumer safety.