March regulatory roundup

UK 

UK REACH Fee Changes Effective April 2025

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has officially updated the UK REACH registration fees, effective April 1, 2025.

Under UK REACH, all chemical substances imported or manufactured at quantities above 1 tonne per year must be registered. The revised fees are:

• £2,222 for standard registrations
• Reduced fees for SMEs, scaled by company size

The fees began at around £1,655 previously, meaning businesses must update their compliance budgets for the coming year.

The fee change aligns with broader UK regulatory adjustments post-Brexit and reflects the cost of maintaining an independent system parallel to the EU’s REACH regulation.

Europe

2025 Review of Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC 1223/2009)

The European Commission has announced its plan to review Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the EU’s core legal framework governing cosmetics.

Since its full implementation in 2013, this regulation has set high safety standards, regulated ingredients, and harmonized cosmetic laws across the EU.

In 2025, the Commission aims to assess:

• Whether the regulation supports innovation and sustainability
• If the market surveillance and safety requirements are still adequate
• Areas for improvement based on industry experience

🔔 A Call for Evidence will be launched soon. Companies, associations, and experts can contribute their insights and shape the regulation’s future direction.

CE.way encourages all stakeholders to monitor this process closely and participate when consultations open.

Canada

New Cosmetic Notification Form Requires Local Contact

Health Canada updated its Cosmetic Notification Form in March 2025. A key change is the mandatory inclusion of a local Canadian contact person for each notified cosmetic product.

This means:

• Brands must appoint a local RP (Responsible Person) to handle regulatory communication
• Non-Canadian companies can no longer submit notifications without a local presence

CE.way now offers Responsible Person services in Canada through our new office to support global clients and ensure smooth and compliant entry into the Canadian market.

ASEAN 

Harmonized Framework, but Country-Specific Rules Remain

The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) was developed to harmonize cosmetic regulations among ASEAN member states and facilitate trade.

However, despite the directive, individual countries have significant regulatory differences. Mutual recognition between member states has not yet been implemented, meaning:

• Companies must submit separate notifications in each ASEAN country
• Requirements vary by country in terms of timelines, fees, and documentation

Here’s a quick comparison across three key ASEAN markets:

Navigating ASEAN regulations requires careful planning and localized strategies. CE.way can help streamline this process for you.

Gulf Region 

UAE to Launch Montaji+ for Cosmetic Approvals

CE.way is expanding its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region with a new office and continuing to monitor regulatory changes.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Municipality is preparing to launch Montaji+, a next-generation portal for the online approval of cosmetic and consumer products.

Expected improvements include:

• Faster processing times (up to 60% reduction in approval timelines)
• More efficient and transparent online workflows
• Improved regulatory oversight

CE.way is ready to assist you in navigating this new system and ensuring timely registration for products sold in the GCC region.