During the 35th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting on 2 September 2003, the Agreement on the ASEAN Harmonized cosmetic Regulatory scheme was signed by ASEAN Ministers which covers the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).
The ACD contains 12 Articles which includes General Provisions, Definitions and Scope of Cosmetic Product, Safety Requirements, Ingredients Listings, ASEAN Handbook of Cosmetic Ingredients, Labeling, Product Claims, Product Information, Product Analysis, Institutional Agreements, Special Cases and Implementation.
Prohibited, restricted and permitted ingredients are included in the Annexes of the ACD. The ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) and ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) meets twice a year to discuss regulations and harmonisation across the region to reduce technical trade barrier which includes amendments to the ACD annexes.
The Annexes contains:
üAnnex II Part 1: List of substances which must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products
üAnnex III Part 1: List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to restrictions and conditions laid down
üAnnex IV Part I: List of colouring agents allowed for use in cosmetic products
üAnnex VI: List of preservatives allowed
üAnnex VII: List of permitted UV filters which cosmetic products may contain
Furthermore, seven technical documents were developed which include Illustrative List of Cosmetic Products by Category, Product Registration Requirements and Procedures, Common Labeling Requirements, A Handbook on Ingredient Listings, Common Claims Guidelines, Common Import and Export Requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practice.
