CA Safe Cosmetics Program Implemented

The California Safe Cosmetics Act, which BCA cosponsored and helped to pass in 2005, has finally begun implementation!  Cosmetics manufacturers are now required to report any ingredients in their products known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.  Learn more about the California Safe Cosmetics Program.

Summary:

1.Who is required to report?

A company is required to report if all of the following conditions are met:

•It has a total of at least $1 million or more in aggregate sales of cosmetic products both within and outside of California (including international), according to previous year tax records;

•It is the manufacturer, packer, and/or distributor named on the label of a product, which contains an ingredient known or suspected by an authoritative scientific body cited in the California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005 (the Act) to cause cancer or reproductive harm;

•That product meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s definition of a cosmetic; and

•That product was sold in California on or after January 1, 2007.

A company that does not know the composition of a product is NOT exempt from reporting. It is responsible for obtaining and submitting required product information.

2.What’s the timeline?

The California Safe Cosmetics Program, established in 2006 to implement the Safe Cosmetics Act, activated an online reporting system on June 15, 2009.  Companies subject to reporting under the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005 must submit all reportable cosmetic products by October 15, 2009.  After October 15, 2009, reporting will be on a continuous basis.  When a product becomes reportable after this date, companies will be given one month (30 days) to report this product.  A list of products submitted by companies will be made available for the public to view within the next few months.

3.What is BCA’s role in the Safe Cosmetics Program during implementation?

We’re at a bit of a “wait and see” point about how manufacturers respond to the SCP reporting.  If manufacturers refuse to report by the October deadline there will be a need for public pressure to make sure they know that we are serious about needing to know what’s in our cosmetics.  Similarly, we’ll be keeping an eye on the Safe Cosmetics Program, and its funding situation during this budget crisis. 

4.Where can I find more information about the Safe Cosmetics Program?

You can also read the bill here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/05-06/bill/sen/sb_0451-0500/sb_484_bill_20051007_chaptered.pdf