NZ bans PFAS: Industry can expect minimal differences with EU ‘forever chemicals’ ban – Cosmetics NZ
Industry body Cosmetics NZ said the cosmetics sector can expect minimal differences between New Zealand’s and the European Union’s (EU) per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bans.
On January 30, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced that use of PFAS in cosmetics would be prohibited from December 2026.
According to the EPA, it publicly consulted on the rule changes in 2023 and received 20 submissions, including 14 from the cosmetics industry.
This included the local trade association, Cosmetics New Zealand (Cosmetics NZ).
Halal imports into Indonesia primed for acceleration with the launch of foreign halal certificate registration platform
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) said it would launch a Foreign Halal Certificate Registration (RSHLN) platform.
This would facilitate import and trade of halal products, including cosmetics, in the country.
The platform will be housed under BPJPH’s Halal Information System (Sihalal).
Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Law stipulates that halal products, including cosmetics and raw materials, entering and sold in the country must be halal-certified.
Bespoke hair colours? Korean regulators mull over customised hair dye machines
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) reviewed the use of a machine that customises hair dyes for individuals.
The MFDS said on December 15, 2023 that it had visited fast-moving consumer goods company LG Household and Health Care (LG H&H) to learn more about its automated hair dye customisation machine.
LG H&H was scheduled to launch this machine domestically on December 15.
According to the MFDS, the visit was arranged to gather industry opinions on “Regulatory Innovation 2.0 Task 43: Customised Evaluation of Automatic Device Hair Dye Preparations for the Purchase of Various Products”.
Clear distinction: Indonesia calls attention to non-halal product information labelling regulation
Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) emphasised that non-halal certified products, including cosmetics, were mandated to clearly indicate so on packaging.
The country’s Halal Product Assurance (HPA) Law first came into effect on October 17, 2019.
In February 2021, the local government introduced regulations mandating halal certification for a wide range of consumer goods, including foods and beverages, drugs, and cosmetics.
Under this regulation, halal-certified products must include halal labelling on the packaging, while non-halal products are required to indicate their non-halal nature.
Updated AU/NZ sunscreen standards will bring more consistency to industry
The latest sunscreen standards would bring greater consistency to the industry, ensuring more accurate testing and better protection for consumers in Australia and New Zealand, said one cosmetics scientist.
From July 1 onwards, all new sunscreen products registered with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) had to comply with the updated Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021.
The updates included the incorporation of three ISO updates ISO 24444:2019, ISO 24443:2021, and ISO 16217:2020.
Cosmetic scientist Saul Pyle noted that while the updated standards did not bring major chances, they were making big improvements.
How companies can seize opportunities in Japan’s ‘rapidly growing’ CBD market amid safety and efficacy concerns
Law amendments have opened doors for accelerating growth of the cannabidiol (CBD) market in Japan, but companies need to first overcome challenges in quality control and consumer education, says an analyst.
Based on Euromonitor International’s research, Japan’s cannabis market grew six-fold from JPY4bn (USD26.3m) in 2019 to JPY24bn (USD173.8m) in 2023, with the surge attributed to rising demand for products offering relaxation, sleep improvement, and stress relief.
In Japan, CBD is a legal ingredient that can be imported and sold if it is produced overseas.
“2023 marked a pivotal moment and potential turning point for Japan’s CBD market. The revision of the Cannabis Control Law is expected to usher in clearer guidelines for CBD product sales and distribution, attracting major companies to enter the market this year.
Barrier grief: Brands need to be more specific about skin barrier claims – expert
A skin barrier expert expressed concerns over the lack of clarification on barrier-enhancing claims in the cosmetic industry, emphasising the need for greater specificity on such a complex system.
In the last decade, beauty consumers have shrugged off their apprehension of acids and retinoids, using them to slough off surface skin to reveal smooth, glass-like complexions.
However, there are instances where we may stray into excessive use of these exfoliating actives and end up compromising our all-important skin barrier.
Cultivating a healthy skin barrier is vital to maintaining healthy skin. It acts as a protective layer from external threats – a fact that boosted its relevancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and any compromise in its integrity can result in a host of complexion issues.
Easing entry: Korea to strengthen support for local cosmetics companies in obtaining halal certification
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) will enhance its halal certification support project to facilitate local companies’ entry into the “continuously growing” halal cosmetics market.
Starting from July, the MFDS will collaborate with research institute Korea Institute of Halal Industry for the initiative that has been in place since 2016.
According to MFDS, Muslims account for 24.7% (approximately 1.9bn) of the world’s population, with the halal market valued at about $2tn and is growing steadily at an annual rate of 8.9%.
Alongside this growth is the expanding halal cosmetics market, which has consequently brought about an increasing demand for halal certification.
Vietnam looks to formalise regulations for halal products and drive industry growth
Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) drafted a document proposing the development of regulations and standards for halal products and services.
The authority sought public comment over a one-month period from June 25 to July 25.
Halal products encompass a wide range of sectors, including cosmetics, food and beverage, functional foods, health supplements, and more.
According to MOST, the aim of this decree is to align with the growing demand for halal products both in Vietnam and countries across the globe.
Korea agency calls out Aliexpress, Temu, Shein for safety concerns over essential oils, pet care
An investigation by the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) on essential oils and pet care products bought on three Chinese online platforms revealed a number that the organisation said failed domestic safety standards.
KCA’s investigated essential oils and pet care products sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms, Aliexpress, Temu, and Shein.
It found that 75.5% of 49 products tested did not meet domestic safety standards, highlighting potential loopholes in the regulation of goods sold through these online platforms.
According to KCA’s published report, it tested 19 essential oils that were labelled for cosmetic use and/or home fragrance use.
