The bill aims to establish a “more predictable and less burdensome regulatory landscape,” as part of the EU’s broader simplification drive to support European businesses and stimulate the economy.
However, Orellana writes in his letter dated September 25 to the EU’s delegation to the UN that the proposal “seems to conflict with [the] rights set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including the rights to health and environmental protection.”
The bill suggests relaxing some rules on cancer-causing chemicals in cosmetics, alarming consumer groups who warn it could endanger health.
Orellana expresses concern over the “weakened safeguards preventing the use of [carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic substances] in cosmetics,” particularly worried about the proposed flexibilities in product labeling and advertising. He notes the bill lacks a full impact assessment.
As it stands, he concludes that there is a “high risk” the proposal may “negatively impact human rights, including the rights to health and a healthy environment,” potentially reversing improvements and creating legal uncertainty for businesses that have already complied.
He further questions the “compelling justification” for the proposed measures, asking how the EU plans to ensure the proposal’s compatibility with international human rights norms.
Industry groups like the European Chemical Industry Council and Cosmetics Europe have welcomed the bill, with the latter denying that the legislative changes will affect consumer safety.
The file is currently under negotiation by the European Parliament and EU countries.
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