France streamlines route for cosmetic exports
The French government is to streamline paperwork linked to the export of cosmetics, according to Industry Minister Christian Estrosi. Speaking at the inauguration of a cosmetics commercial complex in northern Marseille, Estrosi said that from 1 January 2010 the administrative bodies monitoring cosmetics for quality and conformity with European regulations exports will be able to issue the licences (CVL) directly. He stressed that all the measures normally taken to ensure quality would be taken and there would be no free-for-all.
The French government is to streamline paperwork linked to the export of cosmetics, according to Industry Minister Christian Estrosi. Speaking at the inauguration of a cosmetics commercial complex in northern Marseille, Estrosi said that from 1 January 2010 the administrative bodies monitoring cosmetics for quality and conformity with European regulations exports will be able to issue the licences (CVL) directly. He stressed that all the measures normally taken to ensure quality would be taken and there would be no free-for-all.
The cosmetics industry grouping Cosmed, set up in Marseille in 2000 and which now has 500 company members representing some 15,000 jobs, will be able to supply certificates attesting quality and conformity to EU rules.
Estrosi underlined the importance of the cosmetics sector in France, which accounted for about €10.4bn of sales in 2008 and is forecasting growth of between 3% and 4% this year. French cosmetics exports are worth around €4.5bn. The companies installed within the Marseille complex are predominantly focused on innovation and are research-based. The complex was created at a cost of €10m.