Cosmetic products
Cosmetic product legislation ensures that the products are safe for human health. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the general guidance, monitoring and development of operations pursuant to the Act on Cosmetic Products as well as for the top level management and steering of the monitoring of the compliance with the legislation.
Legislation concerning cosmetics
A cosmetic product is a substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity to clean them, protect them or keep them in good condition. Such products are, for example, personal hygiene products, hair care products, perfumes, colour cosmetics and products used for skin care, such as sunscreens.
Cosmetic products in the EU are regulated by the so-called Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products). The aim of the regulation is to ensure that cosmetic products placed on the EU market are safe. Potential environmental concerns are considered on the basis of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 – Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The EU regulation is directly applicable in Member States.
The EU cosmetics regulation contains binding provisions on the operators. A responsible person must be appointed for cosmetics products placed on the market in the EU area. This person is responsible for the safety of the product. All products must also be entered in the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) maintained by the European Commission.
In addition, the Finnish Act on Cosmetic Products (492/2013) regulates the monitoring of the EU regulation and national language requirements.
Cosmetics management parties
The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) acts as the competent authority pursuant to the Act on Cosmetic Products. Tukes is also the supervising authority which, together with Finnish Customs, monitors the cosmetic products on the market.
Tukes also monitors beauty treatment services which are regulated by the Consumer Safety Act under the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
The Health Protection Act under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is applied to the premises where beauty treatments are provided.