On 16 January 2025, the UK notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its draft Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025. The regulation, which is expected to be adopted on 31 March 2025 and come into force on 30 September 2025, will restrict the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetic products in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). A transitional period will allow products placed on the market before 30 September 2025 to remain available until 31 March 2026.

Methyl Salicylate: Uses and Regulatory Status

Methyl salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8), also known as wintergreen oil, is widely used in topical analgesics, cosmetics, and personal care products for its soothing and aromatic properties. It is commonly found in pain relieving creams, mouthwashes, deodorants, and food flavouring agents. However, methyl salicylate is classified as a Category 2 CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive Toxicant) under the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008), leading to regulatory restrictions to ensure consumer safety. Appropriate use and concentration limits are essential to prevent potential health risks associated with overexposure.

Scope and Regulatory Amendments

The Regulation will amend Annex 3 of the Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009) by adding new restrictions on methyl salicylate in various cosmetic products, including:

• Rinse-off products (except hand wash products): Maximum concentration of 0.02% for children aged 0.5 to 1 year and 0.06% for older children and adults.

• Hand wash products: 0.02% for children aged 0.5 to 1 year and 0.6% for older children and adults.

• Leave-on skin products: 0.02% for children aged 0.5 to 1 year and 0.06% for older children and adults.

• Lipsticks and lip balms: 0.02% for children aged 0.5 to 1 year and 0.03% for older children and adults.

• Face makeup products: Maximum concentration of 0.05%.

• Eye makeup products and makeup removers: Maximum concentration of 0.002%.

• Toothpaste: Maximum concentration of 2.5%.

• Mouthwash: 0.1% for children aged 6 to 10 years and 0.4% for older children and adults.

• Deodorant spray/aerosol products: Maximum concentration of 0.003%.

• Hair products: Maximum concentration of 0.009%.

Scientific Basis and Justification

The restrictions follow the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS), which considered methyl salicylate to be safe for use in cosmetics at certain concentration limits, despite its classification as a Category 2 CMR substance under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

Comment Period and Availability of Documents

Stakeholders have 60 days from the date of notification to submit comments. For further details, visit the official WTO notification page here.

The UK Government has announced plans to end the use of harmful neonicotinoid pesticides in England, a major step towards fulfilling an election commitment to protect bees and other pollinators. The policy, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 21 December 2024, aims to legally ban three neonicotinoids: clothianidin (CAS no 210880-92-5), imidacloprid (CAS no 138261-41-3), and thiamethoxam (CAS no 153719-23-4). These chemicals, which are known to threaten pollinators, have been used under emergency authorisations for the past four years despite their general ban.

Neonicotinoids and Their Impact on Pollinators

Neonicotinoids are highly toxic to bees, even at sub-lethal doses, impairing their cognitive abilities and reducing hive productivity. Additionally, these chemicals persist in the soil, posing long-term environmental risks. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies play a vital role in agriculture, contributing an estimated £500 million annually to UK crop production.

Legislative Actions and Future Plans

The Government’s next steps include identifying legislative measures to enforce the complete ban on the three neonicotinoids. These efforts are in line with the upcoming UK National Action Plan (NAP) for sustainable use of pesticides. Additionally, the government will continue to support farmers with alternative pest control solutions, such as virus-resistant crop varieties and sustainable pesticide options.

Broader Environmental Commitments

This announcement is part of a wider strategy to enhance environmental protection. Recent measures include:

• A rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan.

• Implementation plans for air quality, water pollution, and a circular economy.

• Initiatives to address the impacts of extreme weather, including tree planting and flood resilience projects.

A Sustainable Future for Agriculture

The Government remains committed to supporting farmers through sustainable food production practices. As part of this commitment, £5 billion has been allocated to farming over two years to support both nature restoration and agricultural resilience.

This policy applies to England, with efforts underway to work with the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure a unified approach.

For more details, see the full Neonicotinoids Policy Statement here.