This is one of the consequences of the reorganisation of the French cosmetics control authorities, initiated by the Finance Act for 2023. The ANSM is to be relieved of responsibility for monitoring GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) in favour of the DGCCRF, and the latter is working on mandatory national certification carried out by accredited bodies. The Ordinance providing for this has just been notified.
Notified to the World Trade Organisation and the European Commission, the “Ordinance on the organization of the certification process for good manufacturing practices for cosmetic products and the authorization of inspecting officers” is part of the transfer of powers over cosmetic and tattoo products from the ANSM to the ANSES and the DGCCRF.
In this context, the French government has been authorised to adopt measures by ordinance aimed in particular at providing for a certification system attesting to compliance with good manufacturing practice for cosmetic products.
This Ordinance, which has just been notified, creates a new article in the Public Health Code, which stipulates that “Establishments manufacturing and packaging cosmetic products […] shall have their manufacturing and packaging practices certified by a certification body previously accredited by a signatory to the multilateral European agreement adopted within the framework of the European coordination of accreditation bodies.”
In its explanations, the French government stresses that “the Cosmetics Regulation requires Member States to ensure respect for good manufacturing principles by whatever means they choose,” and that “the proposed measure does not impose any additional requirements for cosmetic products per se but creates an obligation for certain categories of establishments that manufacture or pack …
