The Council and the European Parliament have agreed to simplify key regulations governing chemical products and cosmetics. The agreement aims to reduce the administrative burden on manufacturers of chemicals and cosmetics and to promote innovation and the circular economy, without lowering consumer and environmental protection standards, explained Marilena Raouna, Minister of State for European Affairs of the current Presidency, Cyprus.

Different rules harmonised

According to the information provided, the application of the revised Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals will be postponed until 2030. In total, three EU regulations governing chemicals, cosmetics and fertilisers will be amended in a coordinated manner, so that the relevant sets of rules can enter into force simultaneously, thereby reducing costs. Among other things, the agreement provides for greater use of digital labelling and simplified information requirements. Reporting and administrative procedures for cosmetic products will also be simplified to avoid duplication of effort and give businesses greater planning certainty.

Differentiation for hazardous substances

With regard to the legibility of labels, the EU institutions agreed to relax strict requirements in a business-to-business context and to establish general criteria. However, stricter regulations for products aimed at the general public, such as minimum font sizes, are to be retained. The Cosmetics Regulation introduces transition periods and a differentiated system for the phased-out use of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. The Council’s mandate regarding comprehensive pre-market notification of nanomaterials in cosmetic products is, however, retained. The provisional agreement is due to be approved by the Council and the European Parliament later this year.

Source: European Council