The European Commission, on 11 July 2013, has welcome the full implementation of the new Regulation on Cosmetics, and fingers, in its press release, its main breakthroughs. Europe specifically emphasises the new rules combating misleading information and putting safer cosmetics on EU shelves.
The European Commission press release
As of today, cosmetics on shop shelves, both manufactured in the EU and imported from third countries, should be fully compliant with the Cosmetics Regulation ensuring strengthened safety standards and providing better information for the consumers.
Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for Consumer Policy, said: "From daily essentials like toothpaste to that little luxury of a new lipstick or aftershave, consumers are now better protected and have clearer information about the cosmetics they buy. The new rules also make enforcement easier, bringing greater peace of mind and confidence in the products purchased."
Greater confidence should benefit producers as well as consumers. With many world leaders in this sector, and with over 4000 cosmetic manufacturers, the cosmetics industry is a major asset for the EU in the globalised economy. The sector creates directly and indirectly over 1.5 million jobs.
The most significant changes introduced by the Cosmetics Regulation adopted by Council and Parliament in 2009 include:
• Strengthened safety requirements for cosmetic products: As of today, manufacturers need to follow specific requirements in the preparation of a product safety report prior to placing a product on the market.
• Introduction of the notion of 'responsible …