US cosmetic firms support legislation to modernise industry’s regulatory oversight

US-based Personal Care Products Council and Safe Cosmetics Alliance have announced their support for the ‘Cosmetic Safety Amendments Act of 2012’ (H.R. 4395) legislation to strengthen and modernise regulatory oversight of cosmetics and personal care products industry.

The legislation introduced by Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ) also will help create a greater role for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in assessing personal care products safety, according to the Personal Care Products Council.

Personal Care Products Council president and chief executive officer Lezlee Westine said that the new legislation will enhance protections for American consumers.

"Cosmetics companies recognize the need for a modern regulatory process that keeps pace with product innovation, as well as the demand for transparency. The Council applauds Congressman Lance for introducing this bill and will work to help gain bipartisan support for its passage," added Westine.

H.R.4395 act requires increased reporting and transparency by the industry along with enhanced regulatory oversight without straining taxpayer resources and damaging small and medium-sized businesses’ ability to compete globally and create new manufacturing jobs in the US, feels the council.

Representative Leonard Lance said that an update for personal care products regulation is needed.

"This bill will continue to advance consumer safety and provide a regulatory framework that furthers growth and innovation for American cosmetics manufacturers and small businesses," added Lance.

The legislation also plans to create formal processes for FDA to review ingredients for national cosmetics regulation uniformity, review safety determinations made by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and also establish industry-wide ‘Good Manufacturing Practices.’

Voluntary registration programmes for facilities and products, under the new legislation would become compulsory along with reporting of serious and unexpected adverse events.

The council adds that H.R. 4395, which builds upon the legislation portions that were originally introduced by Congressman John Dingell’s (D-MI) ‘The FDA Globalization Act of 2008’, will help offer contemporary approach roadmap that includes more engaged and transparent federal regulatory role.

Key improvements added to the current guidelines include Enhanced FDA Registration, New Process to Set Safety Levels for Trace Constituents, New FDA Ingredient Review Process, New FDA Oversight of CIR Findings, FDA-Issued Good Manufacturing Practices and National Uniformity.