EU Delays CLP Revision, New Cosmetic Ingredients Approved in China and UK Amends Cosmetic Regulation

UK Notifies WTO of Cosmetic Regulation Amendments

On 31st October 2025, the UK notified the WTO (World Trade Organisation) of an amendment to the UK Cosmetic Products Regulations. Following advice from the UK's SAG-CS (Scientific Advisory  Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products), annexes 2, 5 and 6 are to be amended. These amendments include the prohibition of sixteen new CMR substances. The proposed date of adoption is January 2026 and the draft legislation is open for comments until 30th December 2025.

You may read the WTO notification here.

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China Approves Registration of Two New Cosmetic Ingredients

On 31st October 2025, China's NMPA (National Medicinal Products Administration) announced its approval of the registration applications of two new cosmetic ingredients - 2-(4'-azo-aniline polyoxyethylene ether)-4-methylbenzothiazolyl waterborne polyurethane and dimethoxytolyl resorcinol. The former is the first registered polymer colourant for use in cosmetics, and the latter is registered as a whitening agent.

You may read the NMPA notice here.

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European Parliament Votes to Postpone CLP Revision

On 23rd October 2025, the European Parliament issued a press release announcing that MEPs had supported the Commission’s proposal to postpone the application dates for the new law on the classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) of chemicals. The postponement will delay the application of most provisions of the revised CLP Regulation until 1 January 2028. The delay forms part of the so-called 'Stop-the-Clock' measure within the broader Omnibus VI package - a legislative initiative aimed at simplifying EU rules on chemicals, cosmetics, and fertilisers. This move is part of a wider policy effort in the EU to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.

Click here for the press release.