In April 2025, New Mexico passed the Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Protection Act, aimed at strengthening the regulation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to protect human health and the environment.

On April 3, 2025, at the CARACAL-54 meeting of the joint advisory body REACH-CLP, the European Commission officially released the final proposal for the reform of the REACH Regulation. The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) pointed out that the digital transformation is expected to increase costs for SMEs by 40%, and that the 10-year review cycle and complex mixed assessment models may slow down the development of innovative pharmaceuticals.

On April 14, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the completion of the drafting of three mandatory national standards, including the "Requirements for Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products" (see Attachments 1 and 2). The ministry is now soliciting public comments. The public comment period ends on April 21, 2025. The public can fill out the "Mandatory National Standards Feedback Form" (see Attachment 3) and send feedback via email to KJBZ@miit.gov.cn (contact numbers: 010-64102958, 010-68205261).

This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of March 2025, covering industry news, newly issued regulations, relevant policy adjustments, and regulatory requirements. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.

On 27 March 2025, the Secretary of State enacted the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, amending Annex III (List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down) of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, to restrict the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetic products. The amendment has been laid before parliament on 31 March 2025 and will come into force on 30 September 2025. It applies to England, Wales and Scotland.

To assist enterprises, member state regulatory authorities, and the public in understanding the new rules, the European Commission released the Implementation Guide for the REACH Microplastics Restriction (Annex XVII Entry 78) in April 2025. Developed by ECHA in collaboration with member states, the guide is non-binding but provides detailed instructions for implementing the regulation.

On 3 April, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1677/25) on Hydroxyapatite (nano) (CAS No. 1306-06-5). The deadline for comments is set for 30 May, 2025.

On 1 April 2025, Regulation (EU) 2025/660 was published by the European Commission, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (EU REACH). The revision specifically addresses polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets used for shooting.

CIRS is delighted to announce that we will be exhibiting at the in-cosmetics global in Amsterdam, Netherland between 8-10 April, 2025. in-cosmetics Global is the leading global event for personal care ingredients uniting top suppliers with finished product manufacturers to inspire tomorrow's cosmetics. With science at its core, it's the premier international platform for innovative breakthroughs in personal care.

On January 22, 2025, the European Union officially published the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, also known as PPWR. This regulation will fully replace the existing Directive 94/62/EC on August 12, 2026, becoming the primary EU legislation for the management of packaging and packaging waste.