ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Amendments: Grace Period Ended on 21 November 2024

On 21 November 2024, the two-year grace period for cosmetic products to comply with the updated ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) ended. The updates were introduced during the 36th ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) meeting and its related sessions in November 2022. Products that do not meet the updated standards must be withdrawn immediately. The amendments reflect the ASEAN region’s approach to aligning with global safety standards and protecting the health of consumers in its 10 member states. 

Key Updates to the ACD  

• Annex II – List of substances which must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products 

A consolidated list of 37 substances previously banned in the EU, has been added to Annex II of the ACD. These include entries from EU regulations (2019/831, 2019/1966, 2021/850, 2021/1902) that are not currently used in ASEAN countries. Specific compounds such as perboric acid, sodium perborate, boron compounds, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), and p-BMHCA have also been included in Annex II. 

• Titanium Dioxide Regulation 

Revised safety criteria for the use of titanium dioxide as a colouring agent (Annex IV) and as a UV filter (Annex VII) have been adopted as per EU standards. 

• Salicylic Acid Regulation 

New limits have been introduced for salicylic acid in the Restricted Substance List (Annexes III) and in the Preservatives list (Annex VI), used in body creams, lotions, and other specific applications. 

Implications for Industry 

Cosmetic manufacturers, traders, and distributors were granted a two-year grace period to reformulate, test and phase out non-compliant products. With the end of this period concluded, compliance is now mandatory, ensuring that products meet updated safety requirements. 

Detailed guidelines for compliance can be found here.