ICMAD Re-ups on Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act

Sometimes small businesses get lost in the shuffle as business gets done. That doesn’t appear to be the case this time.

This week, ICMAD renewed its support of the “Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act,” Bill (H.R. 4075) by releasing a statement regarding its support of the legislation. Introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), the new bill proposes to modernize and significantly enhance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) oversight of cosmetics and cosmetic safety—reportedly without bringing to bear the heavy burden placed on small business by the Personal Care Products Safety Act Bill (S. 1014), the Feinstein Bill.

As an organization of small business entrepreneurs, ICMAD rejected the Feinstein Bill in April of 2015 because it did not provide reasonable national uniformity and would likely stifle innovation in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

“ICMAD has a long track record of working with federal regulators to promote product safety, honor the best science in our industry and advance small businesses that innovate and provide jobs,” Pam Busiek, ICMAD CEO, said at the time. “While we admired Senator Feinstein's sincere efforts toward modernization of the FDA laws governing cosmetics, the approach taken in this legislation was in conflict with these goals."

According to an ICMAD press release, the Sessions Bill is more aligned with ICMAD's desire to modernize the FDA laws governing cosmetics, and supports the group's track record for recognizing the importance of product safety and the need to support small business. The Bill also provides the much-needed national uniformity that is consistent with the recently passed “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act” Bill (H.R. 1599) and the “Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015," (H.R. 1321), the press release said.

ICMAD plans to continue working with its sister organizations—the Personal Care Products Council and the Professional Beauty Association—to develop a unified and consistent approach to modernizing the FDA’s laws governing cosmetics and personal care oversight.