European Commission rolls back consumer protection against harmful chemicals in cosmetics

Today, in an effort to simplify rules and reduce burden for business, the European Commission has proposed weakening EU rules that protect consumers against chemicals in cosmetics that may cause cancer. BEUC cautions that the proposed changes could greatly increase consumer exposure to dangerous chemicals and increase health risks.

The proposal is also tackling recently agreed rules meant to make common household chemicals like detergents or glues safer to use for consumers through clearer labels.

On cosmetics, Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, commented: 

“4 in 5 Europeans are worried about the health impacts of harmful chemicals in everyday products according to the latest EU data. Today’s proposal to allow companies more opportunities to continue using chemicals that may cause cancer in cosmetics flies in the face of consumers concerns and clashes with the EU Commission’s commitment to maintain high protection standards. The proposal would also reduce incentives to innovate and bring less toxic alternatives to market.

On labelling, he added:

“Today’s proposal would reverse the progress the EU made on chemicals labelling in 2023 without making safety instructions any clearer for consumers. Stable, predictable EU rules are key to securing Europe’s competitiveness. EU decisionmakers should therefore stick to their 2023 deal to make chemical labels work for consumers and avoid unfairly penalising those companies that have already invested in complying with the new rules.”

Background

• EU cosmetics legislation prohibits use of chemicals that may cause cancer, change DNA or harm reproductive health (CMR substances). Exemptions from this principled ban can only be considered in exceptional circumstances and subject to rigid conditions such as a lack of suitable alternatives.
• The Commission proposal would allow more time for industry to keep harmful chemicals in cosmetic before new bans and restrictions take effect.
• It would also create additional opportunities for continued use of such chemicals including by exempting certain cancer-causing chemicals from an existing EU ban.
• 2024 Eurobarometer survey on ‘Attitudes of Europeans towards the environment’