Overview
- Lawmakers approved dropping the food-level safety standard for cosmetics to set their negotiating stance.
- The plan would let companies seek exceptions for substances on the EU list of cancer, gene, or reproduction hazards using tests focused on effects on skin rather than food-level safety.
- Enforcement has faltered before, with products containing the banned fragrance BMHCA still sold years after its 2022 ban, and rising imports adding pressure on border checks.
- The Commission proposes one year for new items and two for stock already made, while Parliament backs three-month and one-year cutoffs for products judged harmful and two- and four-year windows for items deemed safe but replaceable.
- Consumer groups warn skin-only tests may overlook risks from accidental swallowing by children, such as sunscreen or lip products.