04.19.12
The nation’s cosmetic industry announced its support for groundbreaking legislation to strengthen and modernize regulatory oversight of the industry and to create a greater role for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in assessing the safety of personal care products.
Introduced by Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ), the “Cosmetic Safety Amendments Act of 2012,” H.R. 4395, will modernize federal oversight of cosmetics and personal care products, currently one of the safest product categories regulated by the FDA.H.R. 4395 builds on that strong record.The proposal has the full support of the Personal Care Products Council and the Safe Cosmetics Alliance, which have consistently advocated for an updated, enhanced and transparent regulatory framework for FDA.
“FDA regulation of cosmetics has protected the public for decades, and this landmark legislation will enhance protections for millions of American consumers,” said Lezlee Westine, the Council’s president and chief executive officer. “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.”
“Everyone agrees that we need to update the regulation of personal care products,” said Rep. Lance. “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.”
H.R. 4395 calls for increased reporting and transparency by the industry and enhanced regulatory oversight without further straining taxpayer resources and damaging small and medium-sized businesses’ ability to compete globally and create new manufacturing jobs in the US.
The legislation aims to create formal processes for the FDA to review ingredients for safety, set safety levels for trace impurities, create national uniformity for cosmetics regulations, review all safety determinations made by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and establish industry-wide “Good Manufacturing Practices.”In addition, under the new legislation, the voluntary registration programs for facilities and products would become mandatory, as would the reporting of any serious and unexpected adverse events.
H.R. 4395 builds upon portions of legislation originally introduced by Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) known as “The FDA Globalization Act of 2008.” Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) along with Congressman Dingell recently introduced legislation that has similar provisions to H.R. 4395.
“Our industry is built on the trusted relationships we have established with consumers.We have always believed in going above and beyond the requirements of the current law,” said Westine. “This critical legislation provides a roadmap for a contemporary approach that includes a more engaged and transparent federal regulatory role.”
More info: www.safecosmeticsalliance.org, www.cosmeticsinfo.org