Regulatory Update: Additional Allergens

The European cosmetics regulation (EC) 1223/2009 requires that fragrance allergens are included in the ingredient list on packaging when their concentration exceeds 0.01% in rinse – off products and 0.001% in leave– on products.

On 26th July 2023 the European Union (EU) expanded the list of fragrance allergens from 24 to 80. A transition period is currently in place, meaning products disclosing allergen from the original list of 24 allergens have until 31st July 2026 to be placed on the EU market and then can remain on the market until 31st July 2028. After 31st July 2028 they would need to be relabelled with the relevant allergens from the full list of 80 allergens. Products placed on the EU market after 31st July 2028 must include allergens from the full list of 80 allergens. The change to the European regulation applies to products place on the market in Northern Ireland but not the rest of the United Kingdom.

Whilst we currently accept the shorter allergen list, it is foreseeable that products might not be placed on to the market until after 31st July 2026, therefore we are requesting that customers provide the extended allergen list.

More information regarding the purpose of the regulatory changes and the allergens that are to be declared, can be found below:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32023R1545

To speak with a member of our team regarding any Regulatory changes, please contact us at clientservices@melbecmicrobiology.co.uk.

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