New Zealand publishes cosmetic standard adding phase-out regulations on PFAS-containing cosmetics

On January 30, 2024, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated a “Decision for Updates to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard”,  partially amending the “Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020.” The main revisions include updating Schedule 4-8 of the Standard in line with European trends, phasing out per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) components, and recordkeeping requirements for products containing nanomaterials.

Phase-out of cosmetics containing PFAS

This Decision provides the new regulations on the phase-out of cosmetic products containing PFAS. Specifically, PFAS is newly added to Table 2 of Schedule 4 “Prohibited Ingredients” of the Cosmetics Group Standard 2020 and will be phased out according to the following timeline.