Hong Guodeng Explains Taiwan’s Ban of Antihistamines in Cosmetics

Key info:

• Taiwan will impose a ban on the use of Antihistamine in cosmetics
• Taiwan formulated this policy referring to the international supervision requirements.

According to a recent notification Taiwan will impose a ban on the use of Antihistamine in cosmetics from next month and the sale, supply and display of cosmetics containing the ingredient starting Jan 1 2017 (see CL news on May 13 2016).

Antihistamine is usually used in shampoos for removing dandruff and relieving itching. It may irritate the mucous membranes, causing pain and redness but adverse reactions are generally rare as no residues are usually left behind as shampoos are washed away after use. “Even so, considering it still may cause side effect on people if used improperly, we decided to ban the use.” Hong Guodeng, an official at TFDA explained.

“We formulated this policy referring to the international supervision requirements.” Hong added, “At present Antihistamine can only be found in cosmetics in America and Japan. But those cosmetics are subject to very strict supervision in the two countries. America regulates the cosmetics as drugs while Japan considers them as medicated cosmetics. In EU, ASEAN and China, Antihistamine is expressly prohibited.”

“It is unavoidable that existing license holders will be affected by this change. Fortunately, there are not many licenses issued: just 38.” Hong noted. The 38 manufactures are required to apply for ingredient modification or cancelation of license by Jan 1 2017. The licenses will be annulled as of the same date.