New regulations on cosmetics market

This Thursday comes into force new regulations on cosmetics marketed in the European Union (EU), which increases the safety requirements for manufacturers and requires more detailed information to consumers about the composition and the effects of these products.

The rules adopted by the EU in late 2009, come into force now after satisfying the transitional period of three years and a half that the Twenty decided to grant the sector to facilitate its implementation.

The regulations allow "greater protection to consumers and clearer information" about 350,000 cosmetic common on the market, ranging from everyday products such as toothpaste, to make or aftershave, says the new European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, the Croatian Neven Mimica.

Among the new highlights the obligation to require specific control over the products that the European Commission (EC) may contain suspected or bio-persistent insoluble materials (nonmaterial), used mainly in sunscreens or hair products. All nonmaterial those are used as colorants, preservatives and UV filters should appear in the list of ingredients and a specific symbol on the label.

The regulations prohibit the use of substances classified as carcinogenic or toxic to reproduction, except in exceptional circumstances and under strict conditions.

Tracking system in new regulations

In addition, it has created a European register of manufacturers -Notification Portal Cosmetics (CPNP) -, which will facilitate the identification of producers to put products on the market and monitoring.

Some 320,000 cosmetics product already registered in this portal, so that would be about 30,000 by registering the approximate number of cosmetics distributed in the EU, according to Commission estimates.

The expert authorities of the Member of States will be responsible for verifying compliance with the rules and penalties apply to manufacturers for noncompliance.

Manufacturers of the cosmetics company also have to assign a "responsible person" responsible for testing product safety and the national supervisory authorities, as well as creating systems for collecting information about consumer complaints and possible side effects of the products.

Control of misleading advertising in new regulations

Along with the new rules coming into force, the Commission has adopted new rules Thursday to avoid misleading information and publicity about the beneficial effects of cosmetics, such as the action for 48 hours, hydration or anti-wrinkle effect.

To report this type of effects on product labels, manufacturers must meet criteria such as "proven", the "truth" and "honesty" according to the document adopted by the EC.

This does not mean that there will be "closed list" of potential beneficial effects of cosmetics, but manufacturers "must pass strong evidence of its effectiveness" before including these messages in their containers, said the commissioner.

Cosmetics are covered by these regulations makeup products, perfumes, products for waxing and shaving, deodorants, face masks and lipsticks.