The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration announced plans to host the 18th annual meeting of the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation from July 9 to 11. Representatives from Brazil, Canada, Taiwan, the EU, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the US will convene to discuss global trends and regulatory issues in the cosmetics industry.
Established in 2007, ICCR facilitates collaboration among global cosmetics regulatory authorities to harmonize regulations and address emerging challenges. TFDA, currently holding the ICCR chairmanship, will also organize an international symposium on July 11, themed "Transformation and Innovation in Cosmetic Industry," expected to draw 300 participants from over 12 countries.
Yang I-chen, senior specialist at TFDA's Division of Medical Devices and Cosmetics, highlighted Taiwan's integration into ICCR, evolving from observer status in 2016 to full membership in 2020, enhancing regulatory harmonization efforts.
TFDA's Deputy Director-General, Wang Der-yuan, announced the implementation of revised cosmetic regulations effective July 1, merging general and specific purpose cosmetics categories under the new "Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act." This initiative aims to simplify regulatory processes, introducing a unified registration system and safety data requirements for cosmetics.
Simultaneously, TFDA will enforce stricter limits on heavy metals in infant foods, livestock offal, and nuts/oilseeds from July 1. Lead limits for infant foods will be reduced, while cadmium limits will be established. Livestock offal will see lowered lead thresholds, and cadmium limits will apply to nuts and oilseeds for the first time, aligning with Taiwanese dietary habits and emphasizing health safety.
TFDA's Deputy Director-General, Lin Chin-fu, emphasized the significance of stringent regulations for infant foods due to heavy metal impacts on neurological development, reinforcing Taiwan's commitment to public health standards.
The upcoming ICCR meeting and regulatory updates underscore Taiwan's proactive approach to international cooperation and regulatory alignment in the cosmetics and food safety sectors, aiming to enhance consumer protection and industry transparency.
