The entry into force on the 11th of July of the new Cosmetics Regulation [1] also implies new obligations for retailers [2] of cosmetic products.

These obligations were previously described in different texts. The new regulation streamlines them and adds new ones. Thus, according to the articles 6 and 7 of the regulation, retailers must:

 keep the cosmetic products under good storage conditions,
 check that the products comply with the regulation by controlling the labelling,
 check that the date of minimum durability specified, where there is any, has not passed,
 cooperate with the authorities in case of product withdrawal,
 notify serious undesirable effects,
 participate in the traceability of products by identifying the distributor or the responsible person from whom, and the distributors to whom, the cosmetic products were supplied.

The regulation applies to all cosmetic products, regardless of the distribution channel,” says Anne Dux, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at the French Federation of Beauty Enterprises (FEBEA). The new obligations therefore concern all retailers, including super and hypermarkets, pharmacies, specialty retailers, including the selective distribution, beauty salons, spas and hair salons, when they sell finished products to their customers.

However, when they use cosmetic products for their services (hairdressing, face and body treatments, massages, nail care, etc.), hair salons, beauty salons, spas, etc. are considered to be end users.

In order to help retailers to comply with their new obligations the FEBEA cooperated with several retail trade unions for editing a series of practical guidelines intended to be used by hairdressers, pharmacists, or by the selective distribution.