UK Confirms Deadlines for New Substance Bans and Labelling Rules
The UK has confirmed implementation dates in July and August 2026 for banning substances like 4-MBC and TPO, and tightening formaldehyde-releaser labelling rules.
UK Confirms Deadlines for New Substance Bans and Labelling Rules
UK Confirms Implementation for New Substance Restrictions
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has confirmed the schedule for The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026. The regulations amend the GB Cosmetics Regulation, introducing staged prohibitions and new labelling requirements that diverge from EU rules.
From 15 July 2026, the UV filter 4-MBC (enzacamene) will be banned from use in new cosmetic products placed on the Great Britain market. On the same date, the labelling threshold for formaldehyde-releasers will be tightened, requiring a “releases formaldehyde” warning for products where the total concentration of free formaldehyde is above 0.001%, a significant reduction from the previous 0.05% threshold. A sell-through period for non-compliant products is permitted until 15 January 2027.
A second phase will take effect from 15 August 2026, prohibiting sixteen substances newly classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR) under the GB CLP Regulation. This list includes trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator common in nail products. The final date for making these products available on the market is 15 February 2027.
These deadlines require brands to ensure UK-specific compliance, particularly for sunscreens, nail products, and any formulation using preservatives that release formaldehyde.
You may access a summary of the regulations here.
Originally published at worldover.io
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