EU Regulation 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products

EU Regulation 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products establishes guidelines for the safety, efficacy, and labeling of cosmetic products sold within the European Union. Its primary objective is to safeguard consumer health by enforcing stringent requirements for cosmetic composition and presentation.

• Safety Standards: Products must be safe for human use and must not contain prohibited substances or exceed permissible ingredient limits.
• Labeling and Packaging: Must disclose all ingredients and any applicable warnings. Packaging alterations that obscure manufacturer information are prohibited.
• Prohibited and Restricted Substances: Certain substances, like hydroquinone and other chemicals, are restricted or banned due to health risks.
• Animal Testing: Products tested on animals or containing such ingredients are banned, aligning with ethical consumer practices.

Compliance with this regulation is essential for manufacturers, importers, and vendors to legally market cosmetic products in the EU, ensuring they meet health and safety standards. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including market removal.