BASF nano forum calls for more transparency and clearer guidance for cosmetics

Discussing several industries impacted by nanomaterials, one key focus of the forum was on transparency within the cosmetics industry, in particular referring to EU cosmetics products notification portal (CPNP).

The CPNP is the European product and substance inventory for cosmetics created as part of EU cosmetics legislation, and requires that all cosmetics products that are marketed in the EU be registered before being placed on the market, including nano ingredients.

One of the issues highlighted in the Dialogforum​ is that with so much information things can become complicated and that the existing information-based instruments should be exploited fully to enable the general public to derive more benefit from their advantages and potential.

The example given is that the information that has been gathered through the EU cosmetics products notification portal needs to be made ‘publicly available as legally required.’

Although it states that the CPNP has its strengths such as information being made available to the European Commission, the report goes on to state that it does not provide traceability along the value chain, and that regulation has been ‘weakly enforced’ in relation to nanomaterials.

Dialogue needed​

Overall, the Dialogforum concludes that regulation should be strived for that fulfils the needs of public authorities, consumers and workers, while supporting innovation.

It states that dialogue between stakeholders and regulators remains essential in fostering trust and in determining pathways to efficient regulation and that clear guidance on how to work safely with nanomaterials is necessary.

“The vast number of documents and scientific publications makes it difficult for practitioners to determine which is relevant and thus, which control measures may be required for their specific workplace,” ​said Stefan Engel, BASF SE Director Industrial Hygiene and Hazardous Chemicals Management in the Dialogforum.

Dialogforum Nano of BASF is a continuous stakeholder dialogue on nanotechnologies, initiated by the chemicals company.

Representatives of environmental and consumer groups, research organisations, trade unions, public authorities and of BASF SE discuss political and societal issues related to nanotechnologies and try to develop shared conclusions and recommendations.

Guest speakers are also invited to provide further expert information and to discuss the latest developments.