Today, it is completely impossible and illegal to sell unregulated cosmetics on the market. And that’s only normal.
Products must meet various European standards such as Regulation 1223/2009 and Regulation 655/2013 in order to protect consumer health.
That said, all these standards and official documents can be intimidating at first. Costomise explains the various laws that govern the cosmetics market.
The different regulations
If cosmetic products undergo so many tests, it is above all to be safe. Here are the 2 types of regulations that concern the sector.
Regulation for development
This covers all the standards related to the development and creation of the product itself:
- allergen tests;
- IFRA;
- toxicological assessment.
It is the substances that are analysed and precisely dosed, so as not to include allergenic or irritant components or exceed the tolerance thresholds of certain ingredients.
The PIF (Product Information File) is a mandatory step in marketing your creation. Besides the composition, it is important to mention several elements such as stability, the identity of the responsible person and the manufacturing method.
This file complies with Directive 76/768/EEC and allows you to market your product in Europe.
Regulation for cosmetic production
Other rules apply to the production of the product. They are concentrated in the Good Manufacturing Practices, which comply with the European standard ISO 22716.
These standards are set out in EU Regulation No 655/2013 of 10 July 2013.
Here, it is the making of the product itself that is controlled. This regulation helps avoid manufacturing or packaging errors, and monitors hygiene and cleaning to prevent contamination.
These GMPs mainly concern:
- production;
- storage;
- quality control.
What is cosmetics regulation for?
To protect the consumer
Of course, the regulatory side of the sector exists to protect the consumer! That is THE first reason: it is essential not to endanger the health of the person who will use the cream, oil, shampoo or other product. Compliance with the regulation is a guarantee of quality and trust for customers.
To sell internationally
The European Union’s regulation in the cosmetics sector is one of the strictest. With the arrival of new Asian or Indian competitors, who do not share the same standards, meeting EU laws means having quality products that can be exported abroad.
To qualify for certification
Certification (organic, vegan, etc.) is not part of the legislation as such. However, fully meeting the legal procedures is the first step toward the process of qualifying for labels.
The risks of selling an unregulated cosmetic product
Beyond compromising customer safety, failing to meet the laws in force puts you at risk of having your products withdrawn from sale.
Indeed, through the PIF, the ANSM can check the various products placed on the market whenever it sees fit, and withdraw them if it finds non-compliance.
“In recent years, it is mainly terms such as ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘without’ and ‘with’ that have been the subject of checks.”
