On Wednesday, the European Parliament is set to vote on a law that would give manufacturers more time to phase out cosmetics containing dangerous substances, known as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction) chemicals. Currently, these substances are banned in the EU, with companies having 18 months to reformulate products after a substance is classified as CMR. The proposed legislation, part of the EU's 'Omnibus VI' simplification measures, extends this deadline to about two and a half years if no derogation request is made, and up to over six years in some cases. A provision allowing certain carcinogenic substances in skin-only products was dropped after opposition from MEPs. The French Federation of Beauty Companies (FEBEA) supports the compromise, calling it 'entirely balanced' and noting it brings 'greater predictability' for manufacturers. FEBEA's scientific director, Brice Leclerc, stated that the extra time is 'necessary given industrial realities' and allows for effective reformulation and evaluation of alternatives. However, NGO Générations Futures and Professor Laurence Coiffard of the University of Nantes criticize the delays as 'totally unacceptable,' arguing that EU regulations are already not restrictive enough. French MEP Pascal Canfin opposed the proposal, saying 'the economic argument should not take precedence when we’re talking about the health of Europeans.' The vote is scheduled for April 29, 2026.
Source: Read the original report | Published: April 29, 2026