Guidelines for the interpretation of the Cosmetics Directive
The Commission has, in close co-operation with Member States, issued a number of 'guidelines' to provide a coherent interpretation of various provisions of the cosmetics-Directive in the interest of Member States authorities and stakeholders, such as industry.
Please note, however, that only the text of the directive is authentic in law. The text of the directive is applicable where there are differences between the provisions of a directive and the contents of this Guide. The interpretation of Community law is ultimately the responsibility and privilege of the European Court of Justice.
Guidance documents have been issued on the following issues:
- "Period-after opening-labelling"
- "Composition and undesirable effects of cosmetic products to be made easily accessible to the public - practical implementation of article 7a(1)(h) 2nd paragraph of Council directive 76/768/EEC"
- "Borderline-products"
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"Commission Recommendation of 7 June 2006 Establishing guidelines on the use of claims referring to the absence of tests on animals pursuant to Council Directive 76/768/EEC"
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"The Restriction to "Professional use" in the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC" [50 KB]
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"The "restricted fields of application" for coloring agents in Annex IV to Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC" [27 KB]
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"Labelling of ingredients In Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC" [31 KB] (February 2008)
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Guidelines to complement the provisions of Commission Directive 2009/134/EC (reinforced labelling for hair dye products) [15 KB]