Companies have learned that consistently producing high-quality cosmetics products is not so easy. Recently 8 products were recalled in the US, whereas the EU recalled a significantly higher number of 20 products. While 'chemical risks to customers' is just one crucial aspect, others include complying with many regulations necessary to qualify before entering these markets.
Here are some beauty regulatory litigation concerns for 2021 and how you can navigate your way successfully out of them.
You should follow the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009) if you want to sell in the European single market. The single market is bigger than the 27-member EU. Non-members Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland also have access to the single market because they adopted the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
In European law, a "regulation" means it is immediately enforceable and applicable in all EU Member States without transposition into national law. Remember, however, that other pieces of legislation apply to cosmetics and may lead to some cumbersome national differences (for example, the ban or restriction of some substances or environmental labelling requirements).
Consumer protection is at the core of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, and the safety of products must be demonstrated. In accordance with the law, this scientific evaluation must be carried out by an expert with the appropriate credentials.
Please do not underestimate the complexity of this work. Make sure that your Cosmetic Product Safety Report complies with the best standards. Cosmetic brands are often affected by compliance issues related to safety, which may result in huge financial penalties and sometimes even prison sentences.
Regulatory authorities in Europe are also very concerned with consumer rights. Consumers can make informed purchasing decisions with the help of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. In addition, EU regulation no 655/2013 specifies common criteria for cosmetic claims.
While the EU did not create a list of acceptable versus non-acceptable claims, it did establish a set of criteria that a claim should follow, including honesty, fairness, and evidence. While cosmetic brands have more freedom, interpretations are left open. Experience plays an important role in evaluating claims.
On the one hand, so many regulatory compliances bind you. On the other smallest difference between two words, such as natural and organic that are often considered similar, have no clear definitions that can complicate your product launch.
At
GCRS, we have been working since 2008. We have helped several big and small cosmetics manufacturers successfully place their products in the UK/EU market. We don't claim the process to be easy, but we commit to stand by you at every step until we get the product approved to sell in UK/EU market.
Contact us to learn more about your challenge in getting your product approved, and we will help you with our expert consultants.
Also, read about the
difference between ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ – two terms used synonymously but have significant differences for the cosmetics industry.