• The European Parliament’s report on the Omnibus VI ensures a targeted adjustment to the regulatory framework for cosmetic products tackling long-standing competitiveness hurdles while maintaining the highest consumer safety standards.
• Industry highlights the need to reduce administrative burdens as key to boosting long-term innovation and global leadership.
• Consumer safety is the shared priority of EU policymakers and industry.

Cosmetics Europe and the International Fragrance Association welcome the swift adoption of the European Parliament’s report on Omnibus VI at today’s plenary session in Strasbourg. Over recent months, the European Parliament has thoroughly examined the European Commission’s proposal to reduce administrative burdens, and boost competitiveness, with detailed scrutiny of the consumer safety provisions, which remain robust.

“We welcome the European Parliament’s report adopted today; in our view, it marks progress in the right direction, which is reducing administrative burden, while maintaining the highest safety standards” said John Chave, Director-General of Cosmetics Europe. EU cosmetics framework is one of the most stringent consumer safety focused systems worldwide. Omnibus VI proposal does not relax any safeguards already in place, as some misleadingly claim, but aims at streamlining the system so that it works effectively helping boost competitiveness and innovation”. – Chave added.

“The European Parliament’s report ensures that Omnibus VI proposal 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). “Throughout the entire process, consumer safety has remained the central objective of both EU legislators and the cosmetics and fragrance industry, including companies of all sizes across the sector”.

As the European Parliament enters interinstitutional negotiations with the Council of the European Union, the cosmetics and fragrance industries underline that the current text reflects a balanced, science-based approach and call upon the legislators for constructive discussion during the trilogue phase to ensure an effective regulatory framework.

***

About Cosmetics Europe
Cosmetics Europe is the European trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry. Our members include cosmetics and personal care manufacturers, as well as associations representing our industry at national level across Europe.
Media contact: Malgorzata Miazek

About IFRA
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global voice of the fragrance industry. Since its creation in 1973, IFRA has brought together global fragrance houses companies, national associations, and regional fragrance ingredient manufacturers or compounders committed to ensuring the safe use of fragrance ingredients, grounded in science and responsibility. IFRA represents fragrance producers, works with regulators and international partners, and supports sustainability and innovation across the value chain.
Media contact: Charles de Lusignan

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The post European Parliament opts for effective cosmetics and fragrance regulatory framework first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.

• Recent months have seen a surge in misinformation regarding cosmetics product safety in Europe
• Consumer safety is  the primary priority of both EU legislators and the cosmetics  industry
• Misleading claims risk distorting understanding of cosmetics safety rules among policymakers and citizens

In recent months, European consumers and policymakers have been increasingly exposed to misleading and inaccurate claims regarding the safety of cosmetic and fragrance products and their future regulation. These include assertions that the Omnibus VI revision would relax safety rules for carcinogenic substances, lower safety standards through regulatory simplification, or that cosmetic products pose significant health risks. Such claims are unfounded. Their growing volume risks undermining informed policymaking and public trust.

“Recent months have seen a concerning rise in misinformation about the proposed changes under Omnibus VI. These claims do not reflect reality,” said Alexander Mohr, PhD, President of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). “Omnibus VI represents a targeted adjustment to regulatory processes, not a change to the fundamental principles of cosmetic and fragrance safety. Safety assessments remain firmly anchored in independent scientific evaluation and robust controls.”

Consumer safety is the central objective for both EU legislators and the cosmetics and fragrance industry, including companies of all sizes across the sector. The European Union maintains one of the most stringent regulatory frameworks globally, ensuring that all products undergo rigorous scientific assessment and are subject to strict post-market surveillance.

“While the European Union moves forward with streamlining and clarifying the cosmetics framework to reduce administrative burden and foster competitiveness, our total commitment to safety has not changed,” said John Chave, Director-General of Cosmetics Europe. “Omnibus VI does not weaken safeguards. On the contrary, it ensures that regulatory decisions are better aligned with robust scientific evidence making it less likely that safe ingredients will be banned, and 100% certain that ingredients that need to be banned, are banned”.  

Cosmetics Europe and IFRA call on legislators to support Omnibus VI as a pragmatic and proportionate measure that upholds Europe’s high standards of consumer protection while supporting innovation and competitiveness in the cosmetics and fragrance sector. They also stress the need for vigilance against coordinated misinformation campaigns, which risk distorting the regulatory process.

“Safety is non-negotiable,” added Mr Chave. “However, safety decisions must be based on science, not irrelevant criteria and procedural bottlenecks. Omnibus VI introduces necessary adjustments to ensure this objective is met.”

About Cosmetics Europe
Cosmetics Europe is the European trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry. Our members include cosmetics and personal care manufacturers, as well as associations representing our industry at national level across Europe.
Media contact: Malgorzata Miazek

About IFRA
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global voice of the fragrance industry. Since its creation in 1973, IFRA has brought together global fragrance houses companies, national associations, and regional fragrance ingredient manufacturers or compounders committed to ensuring the safe use of fragrance ingredients, grounded in science and responsibility. IFRA represents fragrance producers, works with regulators and international partners, and supports sustainability and innovation across the value chain.
Media contact: Charles de Lusignan

The post Cosmetics Europe and IFRA warn against misinformation on cosmetics and fragrance safety in the context of Omnibus VI first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.

“This initiative is an important and timely opportunity to raise yet again serious concerns on the substance of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme and its implementation. We appreciate the willingness of Members of the European Parliament to encourage an open discussion with the European Commission on an issue which has a huge impact on the cosmetics sector.” – said John Chave, Director General of Cosmetics Europe.  

At the heart of the discussion lies a fundamental problem: the current EPR scheme is based on flawed methodology attributing micropollutants in a way that does not accurately reflect real-world emissions. As a result, the cosmetics sector is being held responsible for urban wastewater micro-pollution we do not generate, while other relevant sources are left outside the scope of the scheme.

This matters because the failure to follow the basic tenet of the EU law, the polluter pays principle, jeopardizes the ability of the Directive to deliver on its environmental objectives. Placing the responsibility for 80% of the cost of the quaternary treatment system upgrade on two sectors only means that in practice all other contributors to micro-pollution in urban wastewater will have no incentive to eco-design.

The cosmetics industry is supportive of the Directive’s objectives and reiterates its commitment to paying its fair share. The EPR scheme must, however, be based on a correct assessment,  not the one that attributes to our sector substances that either are banned in cosmetics (e.g., nonylphenol diethoxylate), not used in cosmetics (e.g., permethrin) or ubiquitous substances  allocated exclusively to cosmetics (e.g., palmitic acid), leading to an overestimation of the sectors contribution by at least 15 times¹.

A fair and evidence-based EPR system that follows the polluter pays principle is essential to meeting the objectives of the Directive. The European Parliament’s engagement on the matter, through this oral question, is therefore a welcome step towards addressing the remaining issues, reassessing the current approach, correcting methodological errors, and ensuring that the UWWTD delivers real environmental benefits without placing unjustified burdens on specific sectors.

Cosmetics Europe stands ready to contribute to finding constructive solutions that restore confidence in the EPR framework and ensure a fair, workable, and effective implementation to reach the Directive’s environmental goals.

For a detailed overview of our position on the UWWTD, including our analysis of the significant data flaws underpinning the EPR scheme, please visit: https://cosmeticseurope.eu/news-events/stop-the-clock-cosmetics-industry-urges-the-european-commission-to-correct-flawed-data-and-apply-polluter-pays-principle-in-the-uwwtd/

¹ Cosmetics Europe assessment is available here UWWTD-CE-Analysis-List-of-substances-used-in-the-EPRfeasibility-report-April-2025.pdf. A review of Cosmetics Europe’s analysis of the contribution of the cosmetic industry to the extended producer responsibility in the context of (EU) 2024/3019, has been commissioned by Cosmetics Europe to ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, and released in December 2025.

The post Oral question in the European Parliament: An important step toward a constructive UWWTD EPR scheme first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.

The Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference (CEAC) is a unique event, organised yearly, that brings together cosmetic and personal care industry leaders from all over the world to share insights on global trends and the latest industry developments. CEAC 2026 will take place in person, in Brussels, on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June.

DESCRIPTION AND PROGRAMME

Under this year’s theme, ‘Well-being at your fingertips, safety in hand’ – CEAC 2026 will gather industry experts, policy makers, companies and other stakeholders to discuss general, technical and regulatory development such as:

• Consumer perceptions of cosmetics
• Global business and market trends
• Key regulatory topics
• Eco-design policies for cosmetics
• International policy and trade developments
• Effective science communication
• Digital information and much more

The conference will provide a perfect mix of plenary sessions, multiple parallel breakout sessions and extensive networking opportunities.

Please see the preliminary programme here.

The CEAC 2026 Secretariat is managed by the Downtown Europe. Should you have any questions on the registration process, please contact CEAC2026@cosmeticseurope.eu.

Belgian VAT 21% included

*Members of CE national member associations pay the non-members fee. 

* Cosmetics Europe National Association Members registering more than four CEAC participants will benefit from a discount for each additional CEAC participant registered. Please contact the CEAC 2026 Secretariat at CEAC2026@cosmeticseurope.eu, for more information.

MEDIA

Follow us on LinkedIn and use #CEAC2026 to get the latest updates on the conference.

VENUE

CEAC 2026 will take place in The Hotel Brussels which is conveniently situated in the heart of Brussels (Boulevard de Waterloo, 38).

To benefit from special hotel rates, book your accommodation here.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNER

Look Good Feel Better® is the global beauty industry’s charitable initiative, supporting the confidence, emotional wellbeing, and self-esteem of people facing cancer. Since 1989, the program has reached millions across 27 countries, helping individuals manage the visible side effects of treatment through expert-led beauty, skincare, and self-care education. By fostering resilience, dignity, and strength, Look Good Feel Better empowers participants to regain a sense of normalcy and confidence during a challenging time. Through partnerships with leaders across the beauty industry, the program offers complimentary workshops, transforming lives with the uplifting power of self-care and community.
Learn more about our global impact and upcoming programs at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org. Look Good Feel Better is a registered trademark of the Look Good Feel Better Foundation.

SPONSORS

CEHTRA has supported industry for more than 25 years in ensuring the regulatory compliance and safety of substances, products and innovations. Its team of over 80 experts in toxicology, ecotoxicology, risk assessment and regulatory affairs works across multiple sectors, including chemicals, biocides, cosmetics, packaging and food-related products.

CEHTRA provides services ranging from CPSR and PIF preparation to substance safety assessment and scientific defense. CEHTRA develops digital tools such as COSMETICK for toxicological profiles and cosmetic safety assessment and CEHTRA WATCH for targeted monitoring. The company also offers externalized resources, as well as in silico prediction approaches through Simply Predict services (QSAR and Read-across).

Established in 2007, CIRS Group is a leading product safety and regulatory consulting firm. CIRS has branch offices in the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and China. CIRS Group utilizes its technical expertise, various resources, and international network to provide one-stop compliance services from regulatory compliance, laboratory testing, R&D to data services across multiple industries. This includes chemicals, cosmetics, food and food beverages, medical devices, agrochemical products, disinfectants, and consumer goods. It helps clients gain a competitive advantage by reducing business risks associated with regulatory affairs.

EPPA is a specialist management consultancy established in 1987. We have the expertise to manage alignment and to develop consensus between business, European Union institutions and governments. EPPA offers a deep know-how about regulatory processes and the politics driving them. We assist clients with effective compromise-building in the multi-layered European governance system through out-of-the-box thinking. We help to seek solutions that build sustainable value and competitive advantage. This well-tested approach has positioned EPPA in a league of its own with an impressive track record in resolving challenges related to public policy and regulatory affairs.

QACS LAB, The Challenge Test Laboratory, offers contract and laboratory testing services to the cosmetic industry since 2002. Their quality system is accredited under EN ISO 17025, certified under ISO 9001, GMP and GLP compliant and FDA registered. QACS offers the full spectrum of cosmetic testing services according to EC Regulation 1223/2009. QACS provides chemical, microbiological, molecular, cellular, packaging, clinical efficacy testing and regulatory studies to the Cosmetic, Pharma, Disinfectant and Food Industries.

Founded in 2006, Quantis is a global sustainability consulting firm that helps organizations translate sustainability ambition into measurable business value. With roots in environmental science and a metrics-based approach, the firm combines deep technical expertise with strategic business insight to integrate sustainability into strategy, operations, and performance management. Working across industries and geographies, Quantis enables solutions that improve profitability, reduce risk, increase efficiency, and drive innovation. As part of BCG, Quantis helps accelerate and scale these solutions across enterprises and value chains.

Founded in 2009, REACH24H Consulting Group specializes in delivering comprehensive compliance consulting services, market access strategies, and sustainability solutions for companies across diverse industries including cosmetics, food, chemicals, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. With a global presence of 9 branches and a team comprising over 300 top-tier experts, the group has successfully assisted over 15,000 enterprises, including 103 Fortune Global 500 companies, in penetrating targeted markets. With 17 years of experience, REACH24H has established strong connections with government agencies, industry associations, and international organizations, maintaining a robust network across 39 countries and regions. Its expertise is recognized by numerous government bodies, and the company has contributed to the development of various industry guidelines and national standards.

Registrar Corp is a leading provider of regulatory compliance services for the cosmetics industry, specializing in U.S. FDA, EU, and UK regulations. With over two decades of experience, they assist cosmetics companies of all sizes in navigating complex regulatory requirements, including labeling, ingredient review, facility registration, and adverse event reporting. Their team of experts collaborates closely with cosmetics manufacturers, importers, and distributors worldwide to streamline compliance processes. Leveraging their purpose-built technology and dedicated regulatory specialists, they empower their clients to expand their market reach confidently and safely.

ToxMinds BV is a product safety and regulatory compliance consultancy headquartered in Brussels and a subsidiary office in Bangalore. Its team of consultants serve clients from the cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Passionate about toxicology and leveraging emerging new approach methodologies, the team supports customers in bringing safe, regulatory-compliant, and sustainable products to market. The ToxMinds team is specialised in identifying assessment and testing strategies to fill safety information gaps without any further animal testing. ToxMinds has a proven track record for successful submissions of risk assessments under existing cosmetics, chemicals, biocides, and medicinal product regulatory frameworks.

The post Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference 2026 – Register now first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.

In March 2025, Cosmetics Europe filed an application before the General Court due to significant flaws in the EPR scheme, which unfairly attributes extended producers’ responsibility for supporting the costs of upgrading urban wastewater treatment plants to only two sectors: cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In our view, this fundamentally contravenes a basic tenet of the EU law, the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

We took that action in full knowledge that the rules on admissibility to the EU courts in cases of this kind are highly restrictive for private parties such as trade associations. However, the errors in the EPR scheme are so significant and potentially impactful for our industry that we considered that a legal challenge, even within this restrictive framework, was necessary. 

We take note of the decision of the Court, which relates to the admissibility of the case only, and does not in any way address the questions at stake regarding the legality of the EPR scheme. These questions have also been raised in a separate case brought up the Polish government. The Polish case is not affected by this ruling.

Cosmetics Europe remains committed to advocating for a fair EPR system that truly follows the ‘polluter pays’ principle and is based on accurate scientific data.

For a detailed overview of our position on the UWWTD, including our analysis of the significant data flaws underpinning the EPR scheme, please visit: https://cosmeticseurope.eu/news-events/stop-the-clock-cosmetics-industry-urges-the-european-commission-to-correct-flawed-data-and-apply-polluter-pays-principle-in-the-uwwtd/

The post Cosmetics Europe reacts to the decision of the General Court on the UWWTD case first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.

The post Why does the Chemicals Omnibus matter? Op-ed by Director General John Chave featured in The Parliament Magazine first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.

In parallel to the Omnibus package, the European Commission released today the updated study on the costs of the EPR system under the recast UWWTD and its potential impact on the concerned sectors. Our initial analysis of the study confirms significant discrepancies between the Commission’s estimates – systematically much lower – and existing assessments from Member States and industry experts.

The study does not rectify or even address the manifest error in assessing the cosmetics sector’s contribution to the toxic load in urban wastewater, which is overestimated by at least 15 times. When the Commission’s own data is correctly assessed, cosmetics account for only 1.54% of the total toxic load not 26%. This is consistent with independent analyses from ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH and the Danish Hydrological Institute (DHI), which also indicate the contribution is less than 2%.

The urgent correction of these significant data flaws and a fair application of the Polluter Pays Principle are critical for an effective and workable EPR scheme that incentivises eco-design for all contributors to urban wastewater pollution.

The cosmetics sector urgently calls for corrective measures to ensure data accuracy and create a fair, effective system to tackle water pollution. Our commitment remains to contribute our fair share under a framework that accurately reflects the cosmetic industry’s impact.

The post Cosmetics Europe reacts to the EC Environmental Omnibus proposal and updated study on costs of the EPR scheme under UWWTD first appeared on Cosmetics Europe.