Public Consultation on the Evaluation of EU Cosmetics Regulation: Importance and Implications for Stakeholders
- Malgorzata Suchojad
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The Cosmetic Products Regulation applies to all cosmetic products made available on the EU market. The European Union (EU) has always been a leader in setting safety standards for cosmetic products, and it has launched a public consultation to evaluate its Cosmetics Regulation, allowing stakeholders to influence future laws. The consultation is open to the public from 05 May 2025 until 28 July 2025.
This is a significant opportunity for everyone involved in the cosmetics industry. In this post, we will discuss the importance of this consultation, its implications for different groups, and how to participate.
Understanding the EU Cosmetics Regulation
The EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 was introduced to harmonise the rules for cosmetic products in Europe. Its main objective is to create a unified legal framework across the EU to:
Protect consumer health by ensuring that all cosmetics meet strict safety requirements before being placed on the market
Ensure the functioning of the internal market for cosmetic products.
This comprehensive regulation covers a broad range of topics, including ingredient safety assessments, testing requirements, and marketing practices, and it is updated regularly. For the latest amendments, please refer to the following website: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/cosmetics/legislation_en
The ongoing evaluation seeks to measure the regulation's success, pinpoint any shortcomings, and align it with the latest scientific findings and societal dynamics.
The Purpose of the Public Consultation
The public consultation has several important goals:
Gathering Feedback: It provides a platform for stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and NGOs—to express their views on the current regulations.
Identifying Issues: Stakeholders can bring up challenges or concerns they've faced since the regulation's implementation.
Who Should Participate?
All interested parties are encouraged to participate in the consultation:
1. Cosmetic Manufacturers and Brands
This is an essential opportunity for cosmetic and toiletries manufacturers to discuss compliance challenges and the associated costs. Feedback from both large corporations and small and medium businesses (SMEs) can provide critical insights into the regulation's feasibility. Don't miss your chance to influence the regulations! The deadline for feedback is 28 July 2025.
2. Consumers and Consumer Advocacy Groups
Consumers are central to the cosmetics market. Their feedback can influence regulatory priorities, particularly in product safety and transparency. Consumers are better informed on these types of topics than ever before. Advocacy groups can raise awareness about issues such as harmful ingredients or misleading marketing practices.
3. Regulatory Authorities
EU national regulatory bodies are also vital participants. Their involvement ensures that potential changes are practical and can be enforced effectively. Regulatory authorities across the world can comment too.
4. Academia and Research Institutions
Experts from science and academia contribute valuable evidence-based recommendations. Their insights into new technologies and trends can significantly shape future regulations. For instance, research on microbial safety in cosmetics has become a crucial focus area and can guide regulatory frameworks.
Key Topics for Discussion
The consultation encourages input on several important topics, including consumer understanding and relevance of the current legislation:
1. Safety Assessments and Safety of Cosmetics in the EU - CPSR
Are current safety assessments adequate? This is critical as new ingredients and formulations emerge. Stakeholders should think about how to improve assessment processes while ensuring consumer safety.
Are you aware of the Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment requirement in the EU and UK?
2. Sustainability Practices
Sustainability has become a key concern for today’s consumers. Stakeholders are invited to discuss how the regulations can support eco-friendly practices like using biodegradable ingredients or sustainable packaging options.
3. Transparency in Labelling
Clear labelling can heavily influence consumer choices. Participants can suggest ways to improve labelling to enhance transparency regarding ingredients and potential allergens.
4. Preparation and maintenance of PIF and other regulatory files
The burden of preparing and maintaining compliance files is also being assessed. This included compliance with PIF, GMP, and labelling requirements. The usability of the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) is also being assessed.
5. Animal Testing and Alternative Methods
Does current regulation sufficiently protect animal welfare?
How to Participate in the Consultation
Participating in the public consultation is simple, but you'll need an EU login to be able to do so. Further information on how to participate is available here:
Implications for Stakeholders
The results of this public consultation will have wide-ranging consequences:
1. Manufacturers
Manufacturers might face new requirements that could impact their production methods and costs. Understanding these potential changes early allows businesses to adapt effectively.
2. Consumers
Feedback gathered could lead to stronger safety measures, better labelling, and increased transparency in the cosmetics industry, ultimately benefiting consumers.
3. Environmental Advocates
For advocates of sustainability, impactful contributions during the consultation could result in more stringent regulations around eco-friendly practices in cosmetics.
Please get in touch via info@moleculeregulatoryservices.co.uk for further information on the above or other cosmetic regulation topics and cosmetic product safety reports compliant with the EU and UK regulations.
We'd love to help! #cosmeticproductsafetyreport #cosmeticsafetyassessment #cosmeticregulation #compliantcosmetics
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