List of banned substances in cosmetics in the future as in the EU

The new Bylaw on Cosmetic Products entered into force on September 5, 2019.

For the first time in Serbia cosmetic products are subject to a special regulation. The Law on General Use Items entered into force in April 2019, so with this adoption of the Bylaw on Cosmetic products the area of ​​cosmetic products has been completely harmonized with the regulations of the European Union. The Ordinance sets technical requirements and enables full implementation of the Law on General Use Items in the part related to cosmetic products.

The Ordinance on cosmetic products transposes into local regulations the requirements for cosmetic products existing in the EU regulation, such as the contents of PIF, the list of banned and restricted substances, declarations, etc., but also regulates cosmetic claims and the effectiveness of sunscreen products.

By harmonization of the method of declaring cosmetic products with the requirements of the European regulation, the possibility that the date of minimum durability should not be stated on cosmetic products with a shelf life longer than 30 months has been introduced. The Ordinance defines symbols already in use in the EU such as, for example, the period after opening (open jar symbol). Additionally, lists of banned and restricted substances were harmonized and presence of impurities and trace substances was corrected. More specifically, the requirements regarding the composition and characteristics of cosmetic products are in line with those existing in EU regulations. Precise requirements have been introduced on the contents of the PIF, or – in the transitional period, the content of the product information documentation. Also, the content of the Cosmetic Product Safety Report is prescribed. A European regulation on cosmetic claims has been transposed, as well as requirements relating to the effectiveness of sun protection products, which further regulates the field of consumer information on the effects of cosmetic products.

By supplementing the Law on General Use Items with the Cosmetics Regulations, the regulatory requirements for cosmetic products have become complete, precise and clear and finally aligned with EU regulations. This is certainly a very positive step for the cosmetic industry, but also a step further in the process of Serbia’s accession to the European Union.

Published at novaekonomija.rs.