Updated EU cosmetics laws makes consumers safer

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 4th Apr 2009

Sharon Bowles MEP voting in the European Parliament

MEPs have approved an updated EU law which aims to streamline existing regulations on cosmetics and increase their safety. The proposals increase manufacturers' responsibility for safety whilst cutting red tape.

Instead of 27 different sets of national laws, there will just be one uniform regulation that makers have to comply with. The updated laws will also ensure that labelling is accurate and that 'products claims' are a true reflection of that product. The existing ban on animal testing is unaffected.

South East Liberal Democrat MEP, Sharon Bowles said: "The EU legislation protecting users of cosmetics is a highly important achievement. We all use these products on a daily basis as the laws include basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo. Better regulation will prove less costly for manufacturers and safer for customers. One big improvement is the ban on the use of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or harmful to reproduction."

"The clampdown on false advertising claims will save us money as well as protecting our health. Many consumers pay above the odds for products which make bold product claims such as reducing wrinkles, so it is only right that the product is true to this claim."