Correct regulatory classification: current events in comparison

A new articulated controversy has recently emerged to the attention of the European Commission, as a result of the last meeting of the Working Group on Cosmetics (EU WG) and the Subgroup in charge of the evaluation of Borderline Products. The subject of this debate is the classification of non-rinse hydroalcoholic hand sanitizers, which has been authorised so far, and the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically increased market demand.

Although the temporary EC Guideline published in March (GROW.R.2.DIR 30/03/2020) legitimised its primary cosmetic function of cleaning, provided that it was declared distinct from the biocidal disinfectant action, it has been reported by some EU Member States that from a technical point of view it is almost improbable that the detergent effectiveness attributed to these hydroalcoholic compounds – subject to instantaneous evaporation – can in fact be fully carried out, without mechanical removal of residual impurities on the skin.

However, there was no unanimous agreement on the dispute, so we will have to wait for the Commission to give its official position on the matter, which is scheduled for the summer break.The Italian Ministry of Health has meanwhile reiterated – in a note addressed to the working groups involved – its support for the cosmetic classification of these gel sanitizers, stressing that such a dispute may constitute an inappropriate obstacle to compliance with health counter-measures to Covid-In Amendment No 19, where the pandemic has not yet been completely eradicated and the availability of these products is an essential tool to stem the infections.

COMPLIFE Italia, aware of the importance of these products for the economy of the sector and for public health, will continue to monitor – in synergy with trade associations and regulatory bodies of which it is an active component – the developments of the current debate, in order to guarantee to all its customers and to send back to the final consumers an adequate and constant updating.