Recent development
On August 5, 2016, the Cosmetics Products Department of the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) announced that it is currently working on a comprehensive amendment of Annexes III, IV, V and VI of the Cosmetics Regulation. The amendment is expected to align Turkey’s cosmetics rules with the EU regulations 2016/314, 2016/621, 2016/622, 2016/1120, 2016/1121, 2016/1143 and 2016/1198, all of which amended the EU’s Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009) earlier this year.
Background
Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation lists the ingredients that cannot be contained within cosmetics products; Annex IV lists the permitted coloring materials in cosmetics; Annex V lists the permitted preservative substances in cosmetics; and Annex VI lists the permitted UV filters in cosmetics.
These lists have been subject to certain amendments in recent years following regulatory developments in the EU in this field. One of the most significant recent changes Turkey adopted was the prohibition of the use of 3-Benzylidene Camphor, a UV filter, in cosmetics products such as sunscreens, hand and body creams, as well as anti-aging products.
Conclusion
For years the TİTCK has demonstrated its commitment to harmonizing the cosmetics and healthcare sectors in Turkey with the EU standards. The amendment process of the Cosmetics Regulation reiterates the TİTCK’s intention to continue its harmonization efforts.
It is not yet certain when the new amendments in the Cosmetics Regulation will take effect.
