Cosmetic Industry
Economy at its most beautiful
The German cosmetics industry has a well established reputation for its quality, innovation and for its environmental consciousness. Up until today, there has been a long standing commitment to the demanding standards of product safety and quality in the country.
In 2007, there were a significant amount of German cosmetic companies that were able to increase their turnovers by a large margin. German exports rose by 14.4 percent and summed up to 964 million Euros in the first half of 2007, with demand from France, the United Kingdom and Russia. Imports of cosmetic products to the German market rose similarly by 14.6 percent in the first half of 2007 totaling 565 million Euros. Most of these imports came from France (37 percent). Other importing countries were Switzerland (15 percent), the U.S. (9 percent) and Italy (8 percent).
Regulation on production and import of cosmetic goods is based on the European Cosmetics Directive. In Germany, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) is in charge of the health based consumer protection area. Nevertheless, the BVL does not license cosmetic articles to be sold in Germany. Instead, producers and importers must show proof that the product's safety has been checked by an expert to meet the standards of the Cosmetics Directive. This inspection can only be done by authorized experts. Assistance in searching the right expert can be found at the different cosmetic federations as well as at the local Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany.
All producers and importers are liable to inform customers and authorities on their products. For example, the contact details of the producer or importer must be printed on the product's package. A list of all ingredients must be submitted at the BVL.
If a product is imported to the European Union for the first time, local authorities have to be informed in advance at the city where the product is introduced. Statements have to be made concerning the destination countries inside the European Union. The German Cosmetics Directive that is based on the European Directive lists several ingredients that can not be used or may only be used under certain conditions.
Products may also be considered to be pharmaceuticals. If so, the regulation is completely different. Due to the German law code on food, products are not considered cosmetics if they are made for intake or injection or if they are meant to ease illnesses, pain, physical injuries or aim to influence a person's shape.
For a full overview on the cosmetic industry?s regulation, the BVL offers a comprehensive website. Most articles are written in German only, but there is also a concise description in English. Furthermore, the European Directive is published in English and other European languages.
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