News Category: Regulatory news
HPRA Responds to Increased Interest from Potential New Businesses
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has launched a free cosmetics product information pack for SMEs and start-up businesses in Ireland. The pack includes information on the regulatory steps a business needs to take to place and maintain a cosmetic product on the market in Ireland. The national regulator will also host a series of cosmetics information evenings in Leitrim, Limerick and Dublin in October where speakers from the HPRA and Local Enterprise Offices will offer cosmetics business owners guidance on the regulatory and local supports available to those setting up and growing a business in Ireland. Pictured at the launch of the pack are: Aoife Farrell, Cosmetics Compliance Manager, HPRA, and Steven O'Gara, Senior Economic Development Officer, Dublin City Local Enterprise Office.
Monday, 28th August, 2017: The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) today stated it has experienced a significant increase in interest from people looking to set up businesses for cosmetic products in Ireland. To assist entrepreneurs and existing cosmetic product business owners to understand what they need to do to provide safe cosmetic products for consumers, the HPRA today launched its first Cosmetic Products Information Pack, while also announcing that it will host a number of information evenings in October. The information pack offers useful and important information on the steps necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements before placing a cosmetic product on the market in Ireland and the EU. The HPRA is now receiving over 200 queries annually from industry stakeholders and members of the public around the regulation of cosmetics, with over half (60%) requesting information on how to place a product on the Irish market. It has developed this initiative in response to growing requests for information and to aid regulatory compliance for cosmetic product businesses.
In addition to the new pack, the HPRA also announced today details of a series of regional information evenings it is hosting in
- Leitrim (11 October), Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon
- Dublin (12 October), Health Products Regulatory Authority, Earlsfort Terrace
- Limerick (19 October), Maldron Hotel, Limerick City
These events, which will interest individual entrepreneurs as well as representatives from the cosmetics industry, will consist of a number of easy to understand presentations on different aspects of the regulations. HPRA staff will be on hand to offer general advice and guidance with individuals afterwards. The information evenings will cover all cosmetic products such as soaps, moisturisers, shampoos, tanning products, deodorants, hair dyes, toothpaste and make-up, among others.
According to Aoife Farrell, Cosmetics Compliance Manager, HPRA, the initiative aims to cater for the needs of those wishing to establish a cosmetic product business and for those who are already placing products on the market who want to ensure they are complying fully with the regulations.
“It is imperative that anyone producing or placing a cosmetic product on the market is providing a product that is safe for consumers to use. The regulatory requirements are in place to protect consumers and we want to assist businesses in operating to the highest standard. Our free information pack includes a range of materials on product labelling, requirements for assessing and documenting product safety, and understanding the legal requirements around making claims about cosmetic products.
”From 2014 to the end of last year (2016), we have seen a 30 percent increase in the number of queries we are receiving around cosmetic products. This indicates how dynamic the cosmetics industry is in Ireland and the extent of the regulatory support being sought by those making, distributing and selling cosmetics in Ireland. We urge anyone looking for advice to order a pack and to come to one of our information evenings where we can answer questions about specific products on an individual basis,” Ms. Farrell concluded.
The HPRA has been responsible for the regulation of cosmetic products in Ireland since October 2010. Its role is to regulate the manufacture, sale, and supply of cosmetic products to ensure they do not compromise the safety of consumers. It conducts market surveillance in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, inspects manufacturers and distributors of cosmetics products, and investigates safety concerns in relation to cosmetic products.
To register for a cosmetics information evening or to view the information pack online, visit the HPRA website (hpra.ie). If you wish to order a free printed copy of the information pack, please e-mail cosmetics@hpra.ie.
ENDS
For Further Information:
Weber Shandwick PR Tel: (01) 679 8600
Siobhan Molloy/Rachel Galligan Mob: 086 817 5066 /087 7919901
ABOUT THE HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATORY AUTHORITY
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) protects and enhances public health and animal health by regulating medicines, medical devices and other health products. The products under its remit include human and veterinary medicines, medical devices, blood and blood components, tissues and cells, organs for transplantation and cosmetics.