New EU cosmetics regulation scraps 55 laws (Newham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Newham Borough Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

New EU cosmetics regulation scraps 55 laws

March 24, 2009 2:15 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

Consumer groups and the cosmetics industry have welcomed a vote by MEPs in Strasbourg to scrap 55 EU laws on cosmetics, which covers not only make-up but toiletries like soap and shampoo. A host of complicated and contradictory rules, some of them dating back to 1976, have been swept aside to be replaced by a simplified new law that lays down common standards for safe products.

Instead of 27 different sets of national laws which implement the existing EU Directive slightly differently, there will just be one uniform regulation that makers have to comply with. Consumers will also be protected by 'product claims' rules to ensure that only the real effects of the product can be mentioned in advertising and labelling. The existing ban on animal testing is unaffected.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"Improvements include the ban on the use of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or harmful to reproduction. Strengthened labelling requirements will mean consumers get information about the use of nano-materials. The clampdown on false advertising claims will protect people's pockets as well as their skin, another useful EU contribution to surviving the recession."

"The last thing that manufacturers want is to have different rules in 27 countries across Europe, which increases their costs. As the head of the European cosmetics trade association has said: "The streamlining of this piece of legislation benefits industry and consumers alike and should reduce unnecessary red tape."