BRUSSELS—The new EU Cosmetics Regulation, published in the EU’s official journal in December, introduces a number of changes to how cosmetic products will be regulated in the European Union, affecting companies that manufacture or import cosmetic products. In an overview of the regulation, Sidley Austin LLP outlined a few of the key elements companies should take note of as the regulation goes into effect in January 2010.
Product Claims: Certain product claims may be restricted, due to a provision prohibiting labeling and advertising implying a product has a characteristic or function it does not have, as well as establishing a timeline to adopt a list of common criteria for claims.
Nanomaterials: The regulation outlines specific notification, evaluation and labeling requirements for all cosmetic products that contain nanomaterials, including a six-month lead time notification to the EC and additional safety provisions such as labels carrying the word “nano” after all ingredients present in the form of nanomaterials.
Safety: Companies must ensure a safety assessment containing particular information required by the regulation is performed prior to market introduction.