Philippines Bans the Use of Lead in Cosmetics

The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enacted DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-24 on 23 Dec 2013, the content of which officially promulgated the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Lead and Lead Compounds. Henceforth the use of lead and lead compounds in consumer products, including cosmetics, is to be banned by law effective 15 days after the issuance of the order.

As a potentially hazardous ingredient in cosmetics and other products, lead has already been strictly regulated in many countries. It is the first time that the Philippines government has enforced a ban on lead since the ban of lead in fuel in 2001. Except for cosmetics, the order covers a wide range of consumer products including packaging for food and drink, fuel additives, water pipes, toys, school supplies and paints.

According to an official release the Order aims to “increase awareness about the toxicity of lead and lead compounds” and has been welcomed by environmentalists after years of campaigning against the utilization of heavy metals in consumer products.

Reference Links

Reference Links

Chemical Control Order for Lead