The Directive currently regulating the cosmetics sector has, since 1976, been amended 55 times. It is considered as a very detailed one, but has also been described as a ‘patchwork’ job given the number of changes effected. As part of a simplification process, the European Commission has recently presented a proposal for a Regulation that would consolidate and include all these amendments in one text. However, the exercise will not stop there. 

The proposal, besides ensuring legal certainty, is also intent on ascertaining the safety of the products placed on the market. An important element of the proposal entails the introduction of clear minimum requirements for the assessment of cosmetics safety. Rules relating to the reporting of undesirable effects, product withdrawal, the coordination of enforcement and simplified notification requirements are also included.

The current proposal is under discussion and stakeholders are therefore still in time to inform themselves of the implications and provide their views on this legislative development well before it enters into force.

In view of this, Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, together with the Malta Standards Authority and the Enterprise Europe Network organised an information and consultation session which was of interest to those dealing with cosmetics notably:

• manufacturers;
• importers and retailers;
• consumers
• organisations representing the above interests.

The session was held on the 4^th of June 2008 at the Trade Winds Hall, at the Malta Enterprise in San Gwann, between 9-11am.