Product specific: Cosmetics

General requirements

▶ What legislation must cosmetics comply with if they are to be put on the market in the Netherlands?

Cosmetics put on the market in the Netherlands must comply with the Cosmetic Products (Commodities Act) Decree of 1995 (Warenwetbesluit cosmetische producten). (in Dutch only)
▶ What minimum standards must be taken into consideration in the manufacture of cosmetics?

Products must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), to which purpose ISO standards have also been developed
▶ Are there any limitations placed on ingredients?

Not all substances may be used in cosmetics.

Restrictions are laid down in the annexes of the Council Directive on Cosmetic Products, namely prohibited ingredients, ingredients for which conditions for use have been established (a maximum allowable amount, for example), and lists of the only colouring agents, preservatives, and UV filters that may be used. In addition, CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic to Reproduction) may not be used.
▶ How must the safety of cosmetics be established?

The safety of cosmetic products must be established in a safety assessment devised by a qualified individual. The trademark owner must be able to demonstrate in this assessment that the product is safe for use. The safety assessment must be made available to the NVWA. The NVWA does not have to assess products before they can be put on the market.