We have posted about nanotechnology issues before. Readers following nano-issues will want to note that the Council of the European Union last week approved an updated set of regulations on cosmetic products, and they include a requirement that cosmetics containing nanoscale ingredients have that information on their labels. [In the European Union, regulations automatically apply to all  member states, while directives are implemented through national legislation. The regulation thus represents a common European code on cosmetic products, designed to reduce the uncertainties arising from a differentiated implementation of the previous directives in the 27 member states.]

Specifically, the regulation states that, “All ingredients present in the form of nanomaterials shall be clearly indicated in the list of ingredients. The names of such ingredients shall be followed by the word ‘nano’ in brackets.”  see p. 61.  Some observers have questioned whether the mention of the term “nano” in labels will offer consumers much meaningful guidance. The FDA’s 2007 Nanotechnology Task Force Report did not recommend labeling because current science did not support a finding that products with nanoscale materials necessarily present greater safety concerns than those without nanoscale materials.

The document indicates that the use of nanomaterials in cosmetic products may increase with the further development of technology. In addition, the EU Council suggest that in order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, free movement of goods, and legal certainty for manufacturers, it is necessary to develop a uniform definition for nanomaterials at the international level.  In the interim, “nanomaterial” for regulatory purposes means an insoluble or biopersistant and intentionally manufactured material with one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure, on the scale from 1 to 100 nm.

The Council states that, at present, there is inadequate information on the risks associated with nanomaterials. In order to better assess their safety, the Council calls for cooperation with relevant bodies on test methodologies which take into account specific characteristics of nanomaterials.

The new rule also will require manufacturers of new cosmetic products containing nanomaterials to notify the European Commission and to provide certain toxicological information before the products are placed on the market. Published reports suggest that manufacturers may have up to 3 years to comply with the new label regulations.