The Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act Gains Momentum

Support for H.R. 4075, the Safe Cosmetics Modernization Act, is gaining momentum with recent backing from two U.S. congressional leaders, including a democratic co-sponsor. The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors (ICMAD) is applauding the progress. 

Since the bill’s introduction on Nov. 18, 2015, by U.S. Representative Pete Sessions (RTX-32nd District), two additional members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors: U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-TX-17th District) and U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30th District).

Critical Cosmetics Legislation Advances 

“We commend the progress made by Congressman Sessions in bringing this critical cosmetics legislation forward and applaud Congressman Flores and Congresswoman Johnson for adding their strong voices to the effort,” said Pamela Busiek, ICMAD's president and CEO. “We welcome and encourage a united front from our policymakers to continue to find common ground on this reform that impacts a multi-billion-dollar U.S. industry.”

H.R. 4075 modernizes and improves the Food and Drug Administration's ability to ensure the safety of cosmetic products by examining ingredient safety, establishing manufacturing processes and tracking and quickly addressing adverse health impacts from potentially unsafe products and requiring that all manufacturers be registered with the FDA. 

Industry Impact 

ICMAD, which supports the legislation on behalf of its members representing small, independent and entrepreneurial cosmetics companies, said the bill will further allow the FDA to align its powers with U.S.'s trading partners in the international market while meeting consumer demand for distributing the best information on the safety of cosmetic products. 

This legislation increases consumer protections on cosmetics, while empowering small and entrepreneurial cosmetics enterprises in the U.S. to compete on the national and international stage through national uniformity of regulation, Busiek added. 

Earlier, ICMAD indicated its lack of support for the Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Safety Act, introduced April 21 by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), its co-sponsor. The Feinstein Bill requires the FDA to review chemicals used in products and provide clear guidance on their safety, although ICMAD said that particular bill places too large a burden on small business, restrains innovation in the cosmetics and personal care industry, and does not provide appropriate and significant national uniformity. 

Read more about cosmetics legislation in "Meet the Alternative to the Feinstein Bill" in C&T.