International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR-8), Outcomes of the Meeting - July 8 to 10, 2014

Eighth Annual Meeting held in Ottawa, Canada from July 8-10, 2014

The International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) held its eighth annual meeting (ICCR-8) from July 8 to 10, 2014 in Ottawa, Canada. The ICCR is a voluntary international group of cosmetics regulatory authorities from the United States, Japan, the European Union and Canada. Since 2013, representatives from Brazil and China participate in the framework as observers. This group of regulatory authorities meets on an annual basis to discuss common issues on cosmetics safety and regulation, and to enter into a constructive dialogue with their relevant cosmetics industry trade associations. The purpose of this multilateral framework is to maintain the highest level of global consumer protection, while minimizing barriers to international trade.

As part of this meeting, the regulators entered into a dialogue with cosmetics industry trade associations from each region on July 9, 2014.

The following topics were discussed at the meeting:

  • ICCR Eight Year Review
  • ICCR Website
  • Governance
  • Allergens
  • In silico/Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models
  • Alternatives to Animal Testing
  • Traces
  • Microbial Contaminants
  • Update from Observing regulators

An open stakeholder session was hosted by the ICCR Regulators. Participants in this session included members of consumer organizations, industry associations, and others with an interest in regulatory issues involving cosmetics. Topics included animal testing, benefits of regulatory alignment, counterfeit products, and impact on the esthetics industry.

The next ICCR meeting will be in Rome, Italy in 2015.

Outcomes of the Meeting

1. ICCR Eight Year Review

  • Industry presented their views and perspectives on the past eight years of ICCR.
  • Both regulators and industry consider the ICCR to be an important and unique framework, with the goal of maintaining the highest level of safety for cosmetics, while minimizing barriers to trade.

2. ICCR Website

  • The ICCR website was officially launched during the meeting.
  • This website will enhance the visibility and transparency of the ICCR process.

3. Governance

  • Regulators provided an update on the ICCR expansion criteria and process.

4. Allergens

  • The report entitled "Allergens in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Comparison of Jurisdictional Regulatory Approaches" was accepted and will be posted.

5. In silico/Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) Models

  • The report entitled "In Silico Approaches for Safety Assessment of Cosmetic Ingredients" was accepted and will be posted.

6. Alternatives to Animal Testing

  • Regulators received an updated Report on International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM) activities.
  • The Annex of the "Inventory of validated Alternatives to Animal Testing worked upon by ICATM partners, applicable for cosmetic products and their ingredients in all ICCR Regions" will be updated accordingly.

7. Traces

  • The report on trace impurity levels of lead will be posted.
  • The reports on mercury and 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic products are undergoing final review.

8. Microbial Contaminants

  • A Working Group will be established to review the applicability and relevance to ICCR of standards for microbiological limits for cosmetics.
  • Other business: A new Working Group will be established to focus on the importance of preservatives in cosmetics.

9. Update from Observing Regulators

  • Regulators received an update from the ANVISA on cosmetics regulation innovations in Brazil.

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