On the initiative of the Greens, revision of EU cosmetics legislation will provide for new, groundbreaking rules on nanomaterials, which are classified as being around one tenth of a micrometre (or less) in at least one dimension. No rules are currently in place for these tiny materials, despite health concerns and the fact that cosmetic products are among the most likely to include them.

 

Commenting on today's European Parliament plenary vote (1) to introduce nanomaterial rules, Green MEPs Hiltrud Breyer said:

 

"We welcome today's European Parliament vote for new safeguards for nanomaterials in cosmetics. Everyday cosmetic products containing nanomaterials - such as sun lotions, lipsticks and anti-ageing cream - will at last be subject to rules on authorisation, safety testing and labelling.

 

Many products containing nanomaterials are already on the European market, despite huge question marks around the dangers of these tiny particles for human health and the environment. Today's vote marks a radical departure from the current EU Commission position, which has so far argued that existing EU legislation is adequate.

 

The new safety-first approach will mean nanomaterial products will have to pass strict safety testing to be included on an EU list and therefore approved for market. Consumers will also be able make an informed choice, since labelling will become compulsory for all cosmetic products containing nanomaterials.

 

We are however unhappy about the narrow definition used for nanomaterials, which limits the scope of the new provisions to 'insoluble' or 'persistent' nanomaterials. To provide effective protection, cosmetics legislation should have specific provisions for all nanomaterials, not just for some. We call on the Commission to quickly revise the definition to bring it in line with international definitions."

 

Notes to editors:

633 votes in favour, 29 against, 11 abstentions.