FAQS

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How does New Zealand regulate cosmetic ingredients?

Cosmetics sold in New Zealand must comply with the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020, which outlines ingredient regulations through the following schedules:

1. Schedule 4: Components Cosmetic Products Must Not Contain.

2. Schedule 5: Components Cosmetic Products Must Not Contain Except Subject to the Restrictions and Conditions Laid Down.

3. Schedule 6: Colouring Agents Cosmetic Products May Contain with Restrictions.

4. Schedule 7: List of Preservatives Which Cosmetic Products May Contain.

5. Schedule 8: UV Filters Cosmetic Products May Contain with Restrictions.

Notably, cosmetic ingredients are not required to be listed on the New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC). However, all ingredients in cosmetic products must meet the requirements set forth in Schedules 4–8 of the Group Standard.

What are the similarities and differences between New Zealand and EU ingredient lists?

New Zealand’s cosmetic ingredient lists are structurally similar to those in the EU, categorizing substances into five key groups: prohibited components, restricted components, permitted preservatives, colorants, and UV filters. Both regions regularly update their lists to reflect evolving scientific research and safety trends, with New Zealand’s recent amendments in January 2024 aligning with European regulatory developments.

However, New Zealand maintains unique provisions that differentiate it from the EU. For instance, New Zealand’s ingredient lists include additional tables for substances specific to its jurisdiction, such as Pyrithione Zinc, which is banned in the EU but permitted in New Zealand for leave-on hair products. Similarly, New Zealand allows certain UV filters, like Cinoxate and Dioxybenzone, that are not approved in the EU.

New Zealand Ingredient Lists	EU Ingredient Lists
Schedule 4: Prohibited Components - Table 1: Components cosmetic products must not contain - Table 2: Additional components cosmetic products must not contain in New Zealand	Annex II: List of Substances Prohibited in Cosmetic Products
Schedule 5: Restricted Components - Table 1: Components cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions and conditions laid down - Table 2: Components cosmetic products may contain with restrictions in New Zealand	Annex III: List of Substances Which Cosmetic Products Must Not Contain Except Subject to the Restrictions Laid Down
Schedule 6: Permitted Colouring Agents - Table 1: List of colouring agents allowed for use in cosmetic products - Table 2: Additional list of colouring agents allowed for use in cosmetic products in New Zealand	Annex IV: List of Colorants Allowed in Cosmetic Products
Schedule 7: Permitted Preservatives - Table 1: List of preservatives allowed - Table 2: List of additional preservative allowed in New Zealand	Annex V: List of Preservatives Allowed in Cosmetic Products
Schedule 8: Permitted UV Filters - Table 1: List of permitted UV filters which cosmetic products may contain - Table 2: Additional list of permitted UV filters which cosmetic products may contain in New Zealand	Annex VI: List of UV Filters Allowed in Cosmetic Products

How does New Zealand regulate PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in cosmetics?

In January 2024, the EPA announced a phased ban on the use of PFAS in cosmetics to eliminate their environmental and health risks. The ban includes the following key measures:

- Import and Manufacture: Starting from 31 December 2026, the importation and manufacturing of cosmetics containing PFAS will be prohibited.

- Supply: Starting from 31 December 2027, the sale and distribution of PFAS-containing cosmetics will no longer be allowed.

- Disposal: By 30 June 2028, all remaining PFAS-containing cosmetics must be properly disposed of in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

How does New Zealand regulate nanomaterials in cosmetics?

Companies importing or manufacturing cosmetics containing nanomaterials (except for approved colorants, preservatives, and UV filters) must notify the EPA upon the first importation or production. The notification involves submitting a notification form to [email protected].

Additionally, companies are required to maintain detailed records of the submitted notification and information about the specific nanomaterials used in the product. These records must be accessible for inspection whenever requested.

Are microbead banned in cosmetics in New Zealand?

Yes, microbeads are banned in cosmetics in New Zealand. While they are not listed in Schedule 4: Components Cosmetic Products Must Not Contain of the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020, the EPA has prohibited the production and sale of certain products containing microbeads since June 7, 2018.

The ban applies to the following microbead-containing products:

1) "Rinse-off" face, hand, and body cleansers, scrubs, and exfoliators.

2) Toothpastes.

3) Glitter bubble baths.

4) Abrasive cleaning products for domestic, automotive, and industrial use (though these are rare in New Zealand but manufactured and sold overseas).