Japan cosmetics deregulation
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare final report on cosmetics regulatory system calls for creation of a negative list similar to that used in the U.S. and EU, to replace the current category-by-category approval process. UV absorbents, coal tar colors and preservatives would be placed on a positive list and thus would still need approval prior to marketing. Ingredients will appear on labeling in descending order in Japanese characters, however the ministry will further study a move to the International Nomenclature for Cosmetics Ingredients system. The government will also continue to study the possibility of regulating Japan's "quasi-drugs" (antiperspirants, medicated shampoos and hair dyes). The deregulation will fully implemented by 2001. The ministry spoke of a re-evaluation of Japan's cosmetics regulatory process at an international conference in 1996 ("The Rose Sheet" April 22, 1996, p. 2)