The “Cosmetic Safety Amendments Act of 2012,” (H.R. 4395) was recently introduced by Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and is an important step in advancing and modernizing the regulatory oversight of cosmetics and personal care products. While the legislative process is lengthy and changes to the bill are likely to occur, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is highly encouraged by the bill’s introduction. PBA believes H.R. 4395 takes a balanced approach with the needs of all interested parties and most importantly allows the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) a greater role in assessing the safety of personal care products.

 “The Cosmetics Safety Amendments Act of 2012 provides the needed improvements to the current laws regarding cosmetics and personal care products, without placing an undue burden on business or compromising safety,” stated PBA’s Director of Government Affairs, Myra Irizarry. “Consumers, manufacturers, distributors and government can in fact work together and PBA, along with our industry partners, are supportive of H.R. 4395.”

 As part of the Safe Cosmetics Alliance (SCA), PBA is joining with other leading trade groups including the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD), Direct Selling Association (DSA), and the International Fragrance Association North America (IFRA) in support of H.R. 4395. The bill calls for increased reporting and transparency by the industry and expanded regulatory oversight without a detrimental effect to small and medium-sized business’ ability to compete globally. By establishing modernized and uniform national regulations and guidance, businesses have the confidence to innovate and expand, without having to worry about dealing with various and ever-changing regulations at the state level.

 “Everyone agrees that we need to update the regulation of personal care products,” said Representative 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.”

 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.” Furthermore, 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. PBA and industry partners believe H.R. 4395 is more realistic and fair in its approach, while protecting the interests of all parties, than previously introduced legislation.

 “Transparency and safety is vital to protecting the trust consumers place in the products our members manufacture, distribute and use,” stated PBA’s Executive Director, Steve Sleeper. “H.R. 4395 promotes best practices and will further improve our industry while protecting consumers.”  

To learn more, visit www.safecosmeticsalliance.com.