EU cosmetics legislation comes into force

An EU regulation ensuring the safety of cosmetic products as well as the quality of products’ labelling has been introduced this week. 

Regulation 1223/2009 came into force across the EU on Thursday, July 11. It replaces the Cosmetics Directive, which had previously ensured that products could circulate freely whilst guaranteeing a high level of protection.

The new legislation has introduced the mandate for a figure to be accountable for any new product launched into the market. This person will be responsible for ensuring the product is in compliance with all health and safety requirements and for maintaining an information file about the product that must be made available to public authorities.

This person is also responsible for dealing with the product if it is found to be non-compliant with any legislation that affects it, either by taking steps to make it compliant or withdrawing it from the market all together.