CTPA unveils cosmetics industry manifesto for general election year
By Rebecca Hitchon | 23 February 2024 | Movers & Shakers, News
As the UK heads towards a general election, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is calling for the next government to develop a strategy for the cosmetics and personal care industry, to secure its continued growth.
The UK trade association, which represents companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products, has set out 12 key asks in a manifesto, to be shared with key decision-makers and stakeholders and used when engaging with government representatives and major political parties.
The key asks are underpinned by the five following pillars:
1. Essentiality
The CTPA notes that government policy must recognise the essentiality and economic significance of the cosmetics and personal care industry, for health, hygiene and wellbeing.
2. Regulation
The organisation details that a new government must ensure that high standards of consumer safety provided by the UK Cosmetics Regulation (UKCR) are preserved, and that regulation is feasible and does not create an uneven playing field for businesses.
The CTPA adds that a formal UK/EU cooperation structure for the cosmetics and personal care industry is needed to facilitate trade, regulatory and scientific collaboration and intra-company transfers, and the sector should be recognised within free trade agreements.
3. Science
The CTPA is calling for decisions on the safe use of cosmetic ingredients and products to follow a science-led and risk-based approach, and the government to integrate animal-free methods into the safety assessment of chemicals.
4. Sustainability
The association is asking for strong industry involvement in policies and access to detailed information related to environmental strategy, extended producer responsibility (EPR). It also asks for the government to support take-back schemes and invest in a harmonised recycling infrastructure.
5. Business
The CTPA is requesting the return of tax-free shopping in the UK, to boost tourism spending in stores and airports, and is urging the Chancellor to make this change in the Spring Budget on 6 March. It notes that regulators must understand the cosmetics and personal care industry’s global supply chains, in order to understand the economic scale and impact of new obligations and avoid compromising UK competitiveness.
Courtesy of Linkedin.com
Dr Emma Meredith, director general of the CTPA, comments: “To date, the cosmetics and personal care industry has not had a dedicated government strategy focused on this vital sector.
“The CTPA would like to work with the UK government after the general election on a strategy recognising the essentiality of the industry’s products and services, by maintaining strict, risk-based safety legislation, protecting science-led decision making and providing a framework for growth with sustainability at its core.
“The strategy should also enhance the competitiveness of the UK industry for both import and export, and champion the industry as a leader in product manufacture, design and innovation.”