UK Bans 13 Additional CMR Chemicals in Cosmetics
On October 3, 2024, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) about a draft amendment to the GB Cosmetics Regulation, banning 13 additional CMR chemicals. These substances are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) and have been added to the country’s restricted list.
Newly Prohibited Substances in the UK
The 13 chemicals now banned in the UK include:
- 4-[1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-2-yl]phenolate
- Benzyltriphenylphosphonium (CAS: 75768-65-9)
- Bisphenol AF (CAS: 1478-61-1)
- Transfluthrin (ISO) (CAS: 118712-89-3)
- N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (CAS: 99-97-8)
- 4-Nitrosomorpholine (CAS: 59-89-2)
These substances were already included in the EU Annex II list.
Key Differences Between UK and EU Regulations
The UK has yet to ban 13 CMR chemicals recently added to the EU Annex II list under Omnibus Acts V, VI, and VII, such as:
- Azamethiphos (ISO) (CAS: 35575-96-3)
- Clothianidin (ISO) (CAS: 210880-92-5)
- 4-Methylimidazole (CAS: 822-36-6
Revised Compliance Deadlines
New deadlines for cosmetic products containing banned substances are:
- April 20, 2025: Final date to place such products on the market.
- October 20, 2025: Final date for market availability.
For Kojic Acid-containing products, the deadlines are:
- June 20, 2025: Last market placement date.
- November 1, 2025: Last market availability date.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The UK’s independent approach post-Brexit introduces regulatory complexities for cosmetics brands operating in both territories. Companies must ensure compliance with dual regulatory frameworks to maintain market access.
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2024.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament