EU
PFAS in Europe: Restriction Process Enters a Critical Phase
The proposed EU-wide restriction on PFAS is moving forward, with ECHA’s RAC opinion now adopted and SEAC’s draft opinion open for consultation until 25 May 2026. ECHA has framed this as the final opportunity for stakeholders to comment before the proposal moves toward the European Commission.
Why it matters
- PFAS remain one of the most closely watched substance groups in Europe.
- Cosmetics are among the sectors affected by the broader restriction debate.
- The process is now entering a more decisive stage, with fewer opportunities left to influence the final framework.
Key takeaway
Cosmetic brands using fluorinated ingredients should not assume future flexibility.
Regulatory pressure is clearly moving toward stricter market access conditions.
Omnibus VI Debate Intensifies
As discussions continue around Omnibus VI and the future simplification of EU chemical legislation, Cosmetics Europe and IFRA have pushed back against what they describe as “misinformation” surrounding the proposal. Both organisations continue to argue for a science-based, workable framework for the cosmetics and fragrance sectors.
What’s at stake
- The future handling of CMR substances in cosmetics
- How much regulatory flexibility will remain under the Cosmetic Products Regulation
- The balance between consumer safety, innovation, and industry feasibility
Key takeaway
This is more than a policy debate — it could influence ingredient continuity, reformulation pressure, and long-term product development strategy.
ECHA Scientific Committees: PFAS, Octocrylene & Cannabidiol in Focus
At its latest scientific committee update, ECHA confirmed ongoing work on several substances of direct relevance to the cosmetics industry, including:
- PFAS
- Octocrylene
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
ECHA’s update confirms that regulatory scrutiny is broadening beyond traditional “high-profile” substances, and companies should monitor not only restrictions, but also classification and labelling developments.
Why this matters
- Octocrylene remains under environmental and regulatory attention in Europe.
- Cannabidiol continues to sit in a sensitive area where safety, legal status and product positioning intersect.
- Ingredient portfolios that appear “commercially safe” today may still face future compliance pressure.
USA/ CANADA
U.S. FDA Launches a Unified Adverse Event Platform
On 11 March 2026, the FDA launched the Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS), a new unified platform designed to consolidate adverse event reporting across FDA-regulated product categories. FDA says the initiative is intended to improve transparency, consistency and efficiency, while also enabling more centralised data handling and public access tools.
What cosmetic brands should note
- Post-market surveillance expectations in the U.S. are becoming more structured and more visible
- The move aligns with the broader MoCRA compliance environment
- Complaint handling and safety reporting systems should be internally robust and audit-ready
Health Canada Introduces “Flexibility” on Fragrance Allergen Requirements
Health Canada has confirmed a revised implementation approach for fragrance allergen requirements. The legal obligations remain in place, but authorities have signalled a more flexible compliance approach to support implementation. Recent industry reporting indicates that companies will still need to disclose designated allergens, while some reporting expectations — particularly around exact concentration disclosure in certain contexts — may be handled with greater flexibility.
What this means
- The April 2026 deadline remains important
- Companies should not interpret this as a delay or cancellation
- Canada is still moving toward greater fragrance transparency
