WRITTEN QUESTION E-0198/98 by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission (11 February 1998)

Subject: Cosmetics

In view of the increasing number of persons with allergies in Europe, will the Commission revise the Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC) ((OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 169. )) and include a full declaration of the composition of perfumes?

Alternatively, will the Commission propose that an indication of the ten most allergenic substances in perfumes be required?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1998)

The Scientific Committee for Cosmetics and Non-Food Products has set up a Working Party on Perfumes and Preservatives to examine the entire question of the risks of allergies which may be due to perfumes in cosmetics.

As soon as the Scientific Committee has concluded its work on this subject, the Commission will consider the general or specific conclusions to be drawn with regard to those perfumes for which the Committee believes that an indication or a precaution to users should appear on products containing them. Such indications and precautions for users are already provided for a series of substances llisted in Annex III to Council Directive 76/768/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on cosmetic products.