Results for: cosmetics
The new EU proposal on cosmetics: Finally beyond lip service?
Last week, the Commission discretely[1] published on its trade website a new version of its position paper on cosmetics within The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The main difference with the previous paper is that it no longer contains...
The downsides of moving to digital-only leaflets for medicines with the EU’s pharma reform
In an upcoming EU reform of pharma policy, the pharmaceutical industry is pushing to replace paper leaflets in our medicines with digital leaflets that you can find online, but we don’t think that’s a good idea because of obvious downsides....
Is it safe to buy products online from the other side of the world?
Consumers now buy things from anywhere in the world in a few clicks. But consumer groups' research shows the safety of these products is not always guaranteed. Online shops are urged to act responsibly and authorities should work together across...
Alcohol information: label vs. screen?
Modern life is increasingly hectic. Between work or studies, family responsibilities and everything in between, consumers can feel increasingly time-strapped. The majority do not spend any more time than they have to at the supermarket. At the same time, consumers...
Bite your lip! Your balm may contain unsafe oils
Winter is here, with its cold temperatures and biting winds. Your skin may start to feel dry and itchy, and your lips may become chapped. For many of us, this is the season to slather on moisturising lip balms: we...
Ending the deadlock on endocrine disruptors
Lately there has been a lot of talk in EU circles about endocrine disruptors. Endo-what you might ask? Let me break it down for you: Imagine you urgently need to call somebody with an important message. But no matter how...
How transparency can help monitor potential scandals in the TTIP negotiations
When I am asked why more transparency is needed in the TTIP negotiations, I reply it is because these trade negotiations are not mere ‘business as usual’; rules affecting our living standards are on the negotiating table and we should...
Cosmetic products: What TTIP will not make up
On 16/04/2015 this blog post was updated to reflect the change in the number of banned substances used in cosmetics in EU from 1,328 to 1,377. Cosmetic products have become an indispensable part of our daily routine – from toothpaste to...
Why consumers should be at the heart of TTIP
It is clear that every aspect of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) has been designed to facilitate commercial activities between the world’s two largest economies, the EU and the US. The focus of this agreement is to reduce...