March 11, 2008
Introduction of Natural & Organic Cosmetic Standards to Shake-Up Industry
London – A shake-up of the natural cosmetics industry is expected to begin this year as a number of natural & organic standards are introduced. Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) sees 2008 as a defining year in which the adoption of private standards leads to a clear demarcation between pure natural / organic cosmetic and pseudo products. The growing number of certified products - clearly distinguished by logos and symbols – is expected to strengthen consumer confidence in natural & organic cosmetics.
The most important development this year will be the introduction of European standards of natural and organic cosmetics. The leading certification agencies in Europe have been working on harmonization of private standards for over a year. The European standards will be unveiled in June 2008 and be implemented by the end of the year. This development would give certified natural & organic cosmetic products uniform logos for the first time. The successful implementation of these standards could pave the way for EU regulations for natural & organic cosmetics, similar to those for organic foods. The EU introduced formal regulations for organic food production and marketing in 1992.
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April 05, 2006
Three Countries Facing EU Court Over Industry Laws
BRUSSELS, April 5 (SOAPWIRE) - Belgium, Hungary and Spain face the possibility of separate court action by the European Commission for blocking the free movement of goods within the European Union, the EU's executive arm warned on Wednesday.
The commission begun legal action against Belgium and Hungary on Wednesday, questioning their laws on the importation of biocides and pesticides. Both countries have six weeks to respond before a second and final warning is issued.
Spain received its final warning for failing to allow herbal products to be marketed fairly. Further failure to comply with the commission's wishes will see Spain brought before the European Court of Justice -- the EU's highest court.
The commission warnings come a day after it launched a barrage of legal proceedings against EU member states in energy, transport, telecommunications, tobacco advertising, gambling and other areas.
The EU executive also launched further infringement proceedings on Wednesday against Italy and Cyprus in relation to EU transport laws.
Belgium is being asked to amend its laws relating to the imports of biocides, while Hungary's licensing procedure for the imports of pesticides is "burdensome", the commission said.
Following complaints from a number of companies, the EU authorities have asked Spain to lift a law which classes products with herbal ingredients as medicines which prevents these products from being marketed more easily.
Source: Reuters
December 23, 2005
Europen Publishes Packaging Standards Guide
Europen has published a new edition of its guide to the CEN Packaging Standards – a move that aims to guide personal care manufacturers through the field of European packaging standards and regulations. It also supplies a directory of contacts and can be ordered from the Europen website.
September 29, 2005
Cropwatch Critiques the Inventory of Cosmetic Ingredients (Aromatics)
With this latest critique, Cropwatch has now made a initial investigations into four flawed SCCP reports on individual natural ingredients, and one matter of bungled EU legislation, again relating to a natural fragrance ingredient.
This report criticises the notorious 'EU Inventory of Ingredients in Cosmetic Products II: Perfume & Aromatic Materials' (1st update). It is an easy target, which has been damned elsewhere, and normally, the bio-illiteracy, misleading chemotaxonomic information, and incorrect taxonomic botany entries would need little comment, apart from advice such as "don't even go there!". However when toxicologists/dermatologists refer and use the information, as if it were current & valid sound science, then it needs to be either corrected or scrapped. Further, some of the entries refer to hazardous materials which should not be used in perfumery under any circumstances. Others materials are listed which derive from over-exploited plants and animals. and thus would be unethical or illegal to use in cosmetics/perfumery because of restrictions on international trading (CITES listings etc) and/or appear as medicinal and aromatic plants in Annex D of EC Regulation No 338/97 (and some additionally under Annex V of the EU Habitats, Fauna and Flora Directive).
It seems obvious to Cropwatch that trade & industry, toxicologists, dermatologists, safety evaluators etc. etc. are capable of working to a higher standard than that which was approved by the SCCP in this Inventory, and the file of corrections to the EU Inventory is displayed as a living document on the Cropwatch website at www.cropwatch.org/cropwatch12.htm for experts and professionals to add any further corrections and comments. Since the EU Commission is not seemingly capable of working to 'best practice' in this respect, then, bearing in mind our 'duty of care', there is no reason why we should not.
Tony Burfield
on behalf of Cropwatch
www.cropwatch.org
September 07, 2005
Opoponax
The work goes on challenging damaging SCCP Opinions on natural aromatic materials including essential oils - please find an Objection to SCCP Opinion on Opoponax attached below, representing the third Cropwatch Objection to the Opinions of this 'expert' committee, which has the ear of the EU Commission with respect to legislation on Cosmetics.
It is good to know that so many people and trade & professional organisations are now privately backing us. The tea tree oil adverse reaction form is in its final incarnation on the Cropwatch website www.cropwatch.org, and we have had a number of replies which will ultimately be independently scientifically assessed. Please take a look!
Tony Burfield
www.cropwatch.org
Download Opoponax.doc
August 18, 2005
Cropwatch Letter to European Commission re: SCCP Opinion on Tea Tree Oil
As many of you know, Cropwatch has been active in it's criticism of the recent SCCP Opinion on Tea tree oil.
Tony Burfield has compiled and sent, on behalf of Cropwatch a letter to the European Commission where he sets out the key issues that need addressing before proposed legislative moves are finally made which would affect the Industry and tea tree oil users alike.
A copy of this letter can be viewed at www.cropwatch.org/euletter.htm
We welcome your comments, support and any coverage you can give to this issue.
Source: Kendra Kirkham; On behalf of Cropwatch
August 02, 2005
SCCP Update
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) adopted the following opinions at their 4th plenary meeting of 21 June 2005:
Opinion on Tagetes erecta, T. minuta and T. patula Extracts and Oils
(phototoxicity only).
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_025d.pdf
Opinion on Acid Blue 62 COLIPA No. C 67
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_010.pdf
Opinion on Acid Green COLIPA No. C 178
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_009.pdf
Opinion on the use of CI 26100 (CI Solvent Red 23) as a colorant in cosmetic products
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_013.pdf
Opinion on Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_015.pdf
Opinion on Triclocarban For other uses than as a preservative COLIPA No. P29
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_016.pdf
Opinion on Amino Acids obtained by Hydrolysis of Human Hair
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_005.pdf
Opinion on Request for Confirmation of the SCCNFP Opinion 0474/01 on Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetic Products Classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic to Reproduction according to Council Directive 67/548/EEC
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_00h.pdf
Opinion on Glyoxal
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_023.pdf
Source: Maurice O. Hevey | ConvergentCosmetics.com
January 06, 2005
SCCP Opinion on Tea Tree Oil
On December 7, 2004, during their 2nd plenary meeting, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) adopted an opinion on Tea Tree Oil.
In this opinion, the EU's SCCP concluded that "[t]he sparse data available suggest that the use of undiluted Tea Tree Oil as a commercial product is not safe. The safety dossier of Tea Tree Oil is incomplete. The stability of Tea Tree Oil in cosmetic formulations is questionable. A standardized method for the specification of Tea Tree Oil is needed. Industry should develop an analytical testing method based on typical degradation products to ensure and control the stability of the material.
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September 13, 2004
New French Legislation Requires Notification of Side Effects From Cosmetics
Health professionals working in France must notify the French Agency for the Medical Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) of all serious side effects caused by cosmetic products...
Dermatologists, pharmacists, physicians and other health professionals working in France will have to notify the French Agency for the Medical Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) of all serious side effects caused by cosmetic products.
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September 08, 2004
EU Incenses French Perfume Makers
The European Union now wants perfume makers to reveal the exact contents of their fragrances to alert consumers who might be allergic to some ingredients — but French producers say the idea stinks. Françoise Medgyesi reports...
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August 27, 2004
SCCNFP Publishes Latest Opinions, Positions on Cosmetics and Non-Food Products
The latest positions and opinions adopted by the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-food products (SCCNFP) intended for consumers were recently published: www.europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/sccp_en.htm
July 30, 2004
Nano Sunblock Safety Under Scrutiny
Anna Salleh
ABC Science Online
We don't know enough about the safety of some nanoparticles, such as those already included in some cosmetics and sunscreens, a U.K. report has found.
The report, just released by the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, calls for further studies on the safety of nanoparticles such as the ultrafine zinc oxide powders currently used in some Australian sunscreens.
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July 22, 2004
Product Safety in Europe: a Guide to Corrective Action Including Recalls
PROSAFE, UNICE, EuroCommerce and BEUC recently published a guide entitled “Product Safety in Europe: a guide to corrective action including recalls, helping companies to protect consumers from unsafe products”. This voluntary guide aims at helping companies selling consumer products in the European Union (EU) to carry out corrective actions more effectively and consistently. It is of particular interest for small and medium sized enterprises, which account for more than 98% of the total number of businesses in the EU.
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Meeting to Push Case for Cosmetics Industry
Europe Intelligence Wire> Accantia, the Birmingham-based health and beauty company, owner of the Simple Skincare brand, met with Dibgy Jones, director general of the CBI, on 7/9/2004 to push the case for the UK's cosmetics industry which, it claims, is being crippled by EU red tape.
CTPA, the UK trade association for the cosmetics and toiletries industry, won the latest battle over calls for greater legislation at the Fourth Ministerial Conference of Environment and Health just days ago.
Proposals to ban the use of fragrance in childcare products, despite there allegedly being no scientific evidence to prove this necessary, were revised following intervention by the CTPA on behalf of the UK industry.
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July 07, 2004
Latest Positions and Opinions Adopted by the SCCNFP Recently Published
Positions and opinions adopted during the 28th plenary meeting of the E.U. Scientific Committee for Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) of 25 May 2004 were recently published on the DG Health & Consumer Protection’s website
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June 17, 2004
Organic Certification for Cosmetics and Toiletries Manufacturers
- 16/06/2004 - Following the recent seminar that discussed the use of potentially harmful ingredients in cosmetics and toiletries and their more environmentally-friendly alternatives, Louise Sheridan explored the organic certification process for cosmetics and toiletries manufacturers.
There is currently no European Union (EU) legislation relating to the certification of organic ingredients for cosmetics and personal care products, as existing EU standards only relate to products that are from an organic production system and intended for human consumption.
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May 11, 2004
REACH Burden is Overwhelming for Chemical Industry, New Study Highlights
PARIS (France) -- The proposed EU legislation, known as REACH, that would require companies to test and register chemicals could cost 28 billion euros to the French industry, a study commissioned by the Union of Chemical Industries (UIC) revealed.
The Union of Chemical Industries (UIC), is the French organisation federating the country’s chemical companies. It has been lobbying hard against REACH since the publication of the White Paper by the European Commission.
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EU Enlargement: What Does That Mean for Cosmetics Makers?
BRUSSELS (Belgium)-- On 1 May 2004, the European Union (EU) welcomed ten new Member States: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Considering the number of new members joining at the same time, this enlargement is a historical and unprecedented event.
Of particular relevance to cosmetics makers is that the conditions of membership require the adoption, implementation and enforcement of the EU's "acquis communautaire": all EU legislation, technical standards and European courts' case law in all regulated fields. Today the “acquis” consists of about 80,000 pages, but it is continually being changed, improved and increased as the EU continues to move forward.
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April 01, 2004
EU Starts Trade Sanctions on US Products
The European Union’s trade sanctions on a list of US products in the long-standing WTO dispute on the US Foreign Sales Corporations have just entered into force.
Countermeasures on the selected products consist of an additional customs duty of 5% to be enforced as from 1 March 2004, followed by automatic, monthly increases by 1% up to a ceiling of 17% to be reached on 1 March 2005, if compliance has not happened in-between.
The following essential oils, odoriferous preparations and soaps are included in the list of products subject to additional ad valorem duty:
- 3301 23 10: Essential oil of lavender or of lavandin (not deterpenated)
- 3301 29 31: Essential oil of clove, niaouli and ylang-ylang (deterpenated)
- 3307 41 00: ‘Agarbatti’ and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning
- 3401 20 10: Soap (but not soap for toilet use) in the form of flakes, wafers, granules or powders
- 3406 00 11; 3406 00 19 and 3406 00 90: candles (plain, not perfumed and others), tapers and the like.
Additional duties will be imposed according to the following schedule:
- 5 % from 1 March 2004 to 31 March 2004,
- 6 % from 1 April 2004 to 30 April 2004,
- 7 % from 1 May 2004 to 31 May 2004,
- 8 % from 1 June 2004 to 30 June 2004,
- 9 % from 1 July 2004 to 31 July 2004,
- 10 % from 1 August 2004 to 31 August 2004,
- 11 % from 1 September 2004 to 30 September 2004,
- 12 % from 1 October 2004 to 31 October 2004,
- 13 % from 1 November 2004 to 30 November 2004,
- 14 % from 1 December 2004 to 31 December 2004,
- 15 % from 1 January 2005 to 31 January 2005,
- 16 % from 1 February 2005 to 28 February 2005,
- 17 % from 1 March 2005.
The dispute relates to tax breaks benefiting US corporations and declared illegal by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“Despite waiting for more than two years, the US has not brought its legislation in line with WTO rules. We are therefore left with no choice but to impose countermeasures. The name of the game is not retaliation but compliance: countermeasures will be lifted the day the FSC is repealed. We now need to turn our attention to the post 1 March period. In my recent trip to Washington, I have discussed this issue with the US administration and congressional leaders and I am encouraged that progress can be rapidly achieved to adopt legislation repealing the FSC,” EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy commented.
Source: Courtesy of Beauty-on-line.com
March 16, 2004
UK Soap Makers Take Notice, EU Regulations Change
Reported by Rose, "As some of you may already know, here has been a change in the regulations governing the Pollution, Prevention & Control Regulations (PPC) which implement the European Integrated Pollution, Prevention & Control Directive (IPPC) and incorporate the current UK Integrated Pollution Control Regulations (IPC).
This covers, amongst many other things, the production of soap and surfactants. Until recently the IPC regulations had a 'triviality' clause which covered us, which is why few of us will have even heard of this law.
This clause has now been dropped, meaning that no matter how small a soap business we may have, we will now face the same audits as Cussons et al. The estimated cost of this will be between £40,000 and £60,000 in the first instance, and between £6000 and £60,000 per year, every year after that. This will be the administration charges; it will make no difference if you can demonstrate that you produce no waste at all, let alone any potential pollutants. It will make no difference if you only make a dozen bars annually for the local school Christmas Fair or if you make a ton of soap a day.
The legislation will be policed by the Environment Agency (EA); it has nothing to do with Cosmetics Legislation, and will cover anyone making soap whether at home or in premises, whether compliant with any of the other legislations or not. Please note that it will not cover melt and pour; only those of us who make soap from oils and alkali.
It will, simply, put virtually every single handmade soaper in the UK out of business, and probably many small commercial soapmakers out of business too, because of the charges involved.
As the UK regulations stem from an EC Directive, the only way the UK will change it's stance is if the European laws are changed. The UKCPI (UK Cleaning Products Industry association) have agreed to go to Europe and try to do this on our behalf, and on behalf of all the smaller soapmaking concerns in the UK.
The Commission have indicated that they will review the implementation of the Directive and this will be our best chance at having some sort of exemption or threshold taken up. The UKCPI will attempt to demonstrate that the 'cottage industry' of handmade soap will be wiped out by the costs, and to further show the effect of the resultant loss of jobs and of trade for something that has a minimal environmental impact.
The UKCPI needs urgently two pieces of information. Firstly exactly how many people or businesses will be affected (that is, how many of us making handmade soap there are) and what sort of turnover do those people or businesses make (this will be shown up against the costs we would face, and give an indication of the loss in trade to the country).
I have set up a poll group, the UKSoapmakersPoll, and I ask you all, even if you have only sold one bar of soap to please go and vote in the poll. It will ask you to vote for one of four options; turnover up to £10,000, up to £50,000, up to £50,000 or up to £3 million. You will need to join the Poll to vote; there is no other option with Yahoogroups, but it has no membership list whatsoever, and so will be as anonymous as I can make it. There are no logs or records generated by a yahoo group for poll votes, only the running votes are recorded. You may unsubscribe immediately after voting; when the poll is concluded, in a couple of weeks or so, I will post the results on the home page so that it can be seen without needing to rejoin.
The results will be passed on to the UKCPI. It is vital for us all to go and vote, so please do! I also ask that if any of you know a soapmaker who is not a member of this list and has internet access, to ask them to vote. It would also help if this poll can be broadcast on any other lists or forums where there may be UK soapmakers; I am on very few these days, so if you are a member of such a list please, please ask the list mums permission and post about this!
To discuss this further amongst other UK Soap Makers: UKSOAPING Group
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