Cosmetic Regulations
COSMETIC REGULATION IN EUROPE
All cosmetics made, imported or sold within the EU are subject to regulation under the Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC) and its subsequent amendments. A ‘cosmetic product’ is a substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition. In the UK the regulations are administered within our own Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations.
The regulations require that certain information about the products are submitted to a suitably qualified person, (usually an EU registered cosmetic chemist), who will, if satisfied issue a Safety Assessment Certificate. Then, and only then can the products be sold in Europe. This information includes:
- Product ingredients and amounts
- Shelf life
- INCI format for ingredients
- Details of manufacturer and distributor
- Status of animal testing of the product
- Any medicinal claims must be supported by evidence
- Material safety data sheets
This information is contained in a PIF, (Product Information File), which is a legal document and must be produced if requested by Trading Standards, (Local Authority Environmental Health in Northern Ireland)
Tfg have experience of this process and can advise and prepare documentation.