CTFA Annual Report 2019

Cosmetics on an annual basis to ensure that there is a level playing field for marketing of products and to prevent the use of prohibited claims. Europe has advanced in controlling the use of “free-from” and “hypoallergenic” claims as new scientific evidence has emerged on the safety of certain ingredients and the misuse of “hypoallergenic” claims, especially when ingredients present in a specific product are allergens in themselves. This change was affected in June 2019 and was considered for adoption in South Africa. After an impact assessment and discussions held at work group level the technical committee conceded that industry should be granted a 2-year transition period before these entries are officially included in the ARB’s Cosmetic code in September 2021. Regulatory reform: Regulators around the world are considering reforming their current regulatory environments by introducing formal regulations to govern the cosmetic industry. This brings associated challenges especially when consideration of trade barriers and global best practice are neglected. CTFA represented the concerns of the South African industry by submitting commentary to the various regulators, ensuring that national and international perspectives were addressed. LOCAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Poisons Information Centre Chemical agents at the root of poisoning can include medicines, household agents, pesticides and other substances including cosmetic products. As a result of this, in October 2019, CTFA engaged with the Poisons Information Centre, in order to gain a better understanding of the expectations of the cosmetic industry. The role of a Poison Centre is to assess the extent of the exposure and the risk of harm using their database of products and chemicals, and finally assist with the management of the patient. In order to build an accurate toxicological database of chemicals in such products, poison centres often rely on information from manufacturing companies. The Poisons Information Centre at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital has developed and currently maintains a poisons database named AfriTox. The AfriTox database includes approximately 40 000 substances and 20 000 products loaded (Afritox, 2015). From the engagement, CTFA communicated to members the expectations of the cosmetic industry, which is to supply information to poison centres so that the database contains all the possible information, and to facilitate the quick management of accidental ingestion. It was found that particular importance is placed on companies with high risk products, such as: toners, nail products, hair dyes and relaxers, and toothpastes. CTFA will continue to engage with the Poisons Information Centre in an effort to update industry members on the potential risk of poisoning in the cosmetic industry. From a consumer safety perspective, it is important that as an industry we enable the centre to effectively manage accidentally poisoned patients through information supplied by industry members. COSMETIC TOILETRY AND FRAGRANCE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA 13