On 5 November 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted its position on the Omnibus VI package, the European Commission’s proposal aimed at simplifying rules in the field of chemical products. The Council’s mandate covers three key pieces of legislation: the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, the Fertilising Products Regulation, and the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Council’s position on the simplification of the Cosmetics Regulation
The Council’s mandate primarily focuses on two topics: CMRs (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances) and nanomaterials.
CMR deadlines
In response to industry concerns about regulatory rigidity, the Commission had proposed to extend the deadlines for companies placing cosmetic products containing CMR substances on the market. The Council, however, decided to shorten these timelines compared to the Commission’s proposal, while still keeping them longer than those set under the current rules.
CMR exemptions
Under Article 15 of the existing Cosmetics Regulation, substances classified as CMRs under the CLP Regulation are automatically prohibited, unless they have been assessed as safe by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The Commission’s proposal sought to simplify the derogation process by allowing exemptions for CMR substances based on their route of exposure (oral or inhalation). The Council, however, removed this derogation.
Nanomaterials pre-notification
To reduce administrative burden, the Commission had proposed to abolish the six-month pre-notification requirement for nanomaterials, which would instead be assessed directly within each product’s Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR). In contrast, the Council chose to reintroduce the pre-notification requirement, following Member States’ concerns about ensuring adequate protection of human health and the environment.
Reaction from trade associations
Following the publication of the Council’s mandate, several trade associations, including Cosmetics Europe, IFRA, Natrue, and EFFCI, issued a joint statement strongly criticising the Council’s position.
According to these organisations, the Council’s General Approach represents a missed opportunity to simplify provisions of the Cosmetics Products Regulation and to address long-standing competitiveness challenges faced by the industry, all while maintaining the highest consumer safety standards.
What’s next in the legislative process
Following the approval of its position by Member States’ representatives, the Council Presidency can now begin negotiations with the European Parliament to reach a final agreement on the Omnibus VI package.
If you have any questions or need assistance to place your products on the EU, UK, US, and Canadian markets, contact COSlaw Team here or at coslaw@obelis.net.
References
Council of the European Union. (2025). Council agrees position to simplify requirements for chemical products. Retrieved on 5 November 2025.
Cosmetics Europe. (2025). Cosmetic Trade Association Joint Statement: Council misses opportunity to tackle unnecessary administrative burden stemming from the Cosmetic Products Regulation. Retrieved on 7 November 2025.
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