European Parliament opts for effective cosmetics and fragrance regulatory framework

The cosmetics, fragrance and essential oils industries welcomed the news. However, stakeholders active in the sector have expressed concern over misinformation campaigns that have accompanied the legislative process.

“The agreement in the Parliament is a positive step forward. This comes despite the rise, in recent months, of false and misleading claims suggesting that safety requirements for cosmetics would be weakened under the revised framework,” said John Chave, Director-General of Cosmetics Europe. “However, the paramount safety objective was never in doubt. Omnibus VI proposal does not relax any safeguards. But it does better align regulatory decision-making with robust scientific evidence, ensuring ingredients that need to be banned are banned while those that are safe can continue to be used“, Chave added.

Ensuring the safety of cosmetic ingredients is the foundation of our sector. This agreement provides a workable framework that allows European ingredient manufacturers to continue innovating and supplying safe, high-quality materials without facing disproportionate administrative hurdles,” said Andrea Maltagliati, Secretary-General of the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI).

“Consumers increasingly seek high quality cosmetics, relying on both strict safety regulations and transparent practices. Omnibus VI rightly upholds these high standards, ensuring that natural cosmetic formulations can thrive in a competitive, science-backed European market,” added Mark Smith, Director General of the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association (NATRUE).

The changes agreed to the Omnibus proposal are another important milestone to a regulatory framework that could become more feasible for European SMEs in practice” said SMEunited. “We are positive that such a result can improve the competitiveness of European SMEs without compromising our high safety standards.”

“The European Union has the most stringent regulatory framework for cosmetic products. Essential oils are complex, natural products with deep cultural and economic significance. We are encouraged to see a regulatory approach that respects this complexity and relies on objective data, rather than unfounded narratives, to secure both safety and sector viability,” stated Andrey Mitov, President of the European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO).

“Essential oils are high-value, natural ingredients that are essential to many people’s everyday lives, and that support livelihoods in rural communities around the world. In Europe, a predictable and science-based regulatory framework is key to providing access to these materials, and security for these producers while enabling innovation and global competitiveness,” said Catherine Crowley, previous Chair of the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT).

“Omnibus VI demonstrates how regulatory decisions on cosmetic safety can, and should, be grounded in robust scientific evidence and transparent processes” Alexander Mohr, PhD, President of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). “As Europe often acts as a regulatory pioneer, sound policy making in Europe echoes in the rules producers and consumers will see around the world”.

As the Omnibus VI proposal moves forward, the cosmetics, fragrance and essential oils industries underline that the report so far reflects a balanced, science and evidence-based approach. They call for a swift adoption of the Parliament’s report and constructive discussions during the trilogue phase, when any unclarity in the EP report can be addressed.

***

Co-signatories (alphabetical order)

• Cosmetics Europe * European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI)

•  European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO)

•  International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT)

•  International Fragrance Association (IFRA)

•  International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association (NATRUE)

•  SMEunited