The Council of the European Union adopted, on 20 November, without debate, the new regulation updating the legal framework applicable to cosmetic products on the EU’s internal market. An agreement at first reading had been reached with the European Parliament in March.

The aim of the regulation is to simplify the rules and procedures relating to the marketing and safety of cosmetics by grouping the existing 55 directives into a single regulation. “The regulation represents a common European code of law on cosmetic products reducing the uncertainties arising from a differentiated implementation of the previous directives in the 27 member states,” European authorities said in a release.

“Consumers will benefit through the uniform application of rules, the enhanced coordination of market surveillance activities as well as the reinforcement of responsibilities of economic operators,” they added.

Another advantage to consumers and businesses alike will result from the facilitated circulation of cosmetic products within the European market resulting from the better harmonisation of procedures and technical requirements.