This article compiles the cosmetic regulation updates that took place in September and October in Europe (including the UK), America, and the Asia Pacific region.

On October 3, 2024, the UK submitted notification G/TBT/N/GBR/81/Add.1 to the World Trade Organization to amend Regulation No. 1223/2009 (EC) (UK Cosmetics Regulation) applicable to England, Wales, and Scotland. This draft amendment is an addendum to the notification G/TBT/N/GBR/81 submitted by the UK on April 10, 2024.

Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) is a highly surface-active perfluorinated compound with chemical properties similar to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Following the ban on PFOS by the Stockholm Convention in 2009, PFHxS has been widely used as a substitute in various products. However, PFHxS is persistent in the environment, capable of long-range transport, and may cause developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. At the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-10), PFHxS, its salts, and related compounds were listed in Annex A of the Convention for elimination, with no exemptions allowed.

On July 20, 2023, the United Kingdom issued the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2023 (No. 836 of 2023), to revise the requirements for the use of Methyl-N-methylanthranilate (CAS No. 85-91-6), HAA, and HAA (nano) (CAS No. 919803-06-8). This regulation applies to England, Wales, and Scotland.

On 13 April 2022, the United Kingdom notified WTO of a technical trade measure related to toys and cosmetics, with the notification number G/TBT/N/GBR/47. This notified Regulation amends Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 to prohibit the use of specific allergenic fragrances in Toys. It also restricts the permitted levels of aluminium in toys and the use of aniline, and formaldehyde in toys intended for use by children under 36 months or in other toys