EU harmonises and simplifies cosmetics legislation
The EU Council of Ministers has rolled all existing 55 EU directives controlling the marketing and safety of cosmetics products into one comprehensive regulation. The change makes these EU rules compulsory across the EU, without allowing member states the leeway of interpretation allowed under directives. EU regulations apply directly, without requiring national implementation legislation.
The EU Council of Ministers has rolled all existing 55 EU directives controlling the marketing and safety of cosmetics products into one comprehensive regulation. The change makes these EU rules compulsory across the EU, without allowing member states the leeway of interpretation allowed under directives. EU regulations apply directly, without requiring national implementation legislation.
A council communiqué said: “European companies are market leaders in cosmetics, and the regulation will enable more streamlined European-wide procedures and safety rules, thereby reducing administrative burdens and costs.” It said consumers would “benefit through the uniform application of rules” and harmonisation would help cosmetics companies sell their goods throughout their EU.
The regulation was passed without undue trouble – with only one reading required at the European Parliament. That said, Germany tried (and failed) to prevent a clause requiring companies to print 'nano' in brackets after listed ingredients smaller than 100 nanometres. Berlin argued this could unnecessarily worry consumers.