News Update – March 7th, 2007

Regulation of Cosmetics in the European Union

A unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce, US Commercial Services, conducted a recent Webinar titled “The European Union Cosmetics”. The Webinar featured European experts who provided US companies with real market intelligence and a path to understanding the regulatory landscape for the cosmetics market in the EU.

The European Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC regulates marketing of cosmetics in the European Union member states. The regulations do not require a pre-market approval or a CE mark for a cosmetic product as long as the product is manufactured and tested in compliance with the above Directive. The member states will verify a product’s compliance after the product has entered the distribution channels.

The EU Cosmetics Directive enforces a ban on animal testing and a ban on marketing of cosmetics that were animal-tested. Since 2004, no animal testing of cosmetics has been allowed if alternative in-vitro test methods exist. By 2009, all animal testing will be prohibited whether alternative test methods exist or not.

The no animal testing requirement can affect import of those US made cosmetics that are required to be tested in animals (safety studies) by the FDA for US market. These products will not be allowed for sale in Europe. On the other hand, if EU manufactured products are not tested in animals but are intended for US marketing, the US FDA may require animal testing for these products which will ultimately make them unmarketable in Europe. The EU and US regulatory officials are working to clarify these requirements to prevent trade disruptions.

According to the European experts, the cosmetics market will continue its growth trends.
The new market segments are cosmetics for men and seniors with natural and herbal products taking the market lead. The most actively growing shares of the market are represented by facial and body rejuvenation products, hair products, bath/spa products and sun care products.

The European cosmetics market presents an attractive opportunity for U.S. companies to expand their market presence and increase competitiveness.

You can review the EU Cosmetics Directive and associated regulations at:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/cosm_legal_intro.htm

If you need assistance with EU Cosmetics Directive regulations, please contact
mdi Consultants, info@mdiconsultants.com or 516-482-9001.

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