Inspectorate Issues Notice to Importers: Ban on TPO-Containing Cosmetic Products Implemented
Products containing TPO to be banned starting September 1st (illustration), Photo: Shutterstock
The Sanitary Inspectorate has issued a warning to importers regarding the prohibition of cosmetic products containing TPO (trimethylbenzene-diisopropyl peroxide), a substance deemed potentially carcinogenic. This regulation will take effect on September 1, coinciding with the enforcement of European Union regulations, and violators may face penalties of up to 25,000 euros for legal entities.
The Ministry of Health, responsible for the sanitary oversight, relayed this information to “Vijesti”.
According to them, any products identified as containing hazardous substances will be removed from the market. Both individuals and businesses involved in the distribution of these products risk fines. However, they did not elaborate on the regulation of beauticians operating illicitly, primarily in residential areas.
TPO is utilized to enable rapid curing of UV nail gels under LED or UV lights, commonly used at concentrations of up to five percent in nail polishes, eyelash adhesives, gels, and UV top coats.
The European Chemicals Agency and the European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety have categorized TPO as potentially dangerous, toxic to reproductive health, and possibly carcinogenic. Consequently, its use is being phased out from the roster of authorized cosmetic ingredients.
The Ministry of Health has affirmed its commitment to incorporating EU regulations into national law, and will amend the Regulation on Establishing the List of Prohibited Substances in Cosmetic Products accordingly.
“The Ministry of Health closely monitors EU directives, including Regulation (EU) 1223/2009 concerning cosmetic products, along with all amendments. The new Regulation (EU) 2025/877, announced on May 12, 2025, explicitly prohibits the use of TPO in cosmetic products, effective across all EU Member States as of September 1, 2025,” the response states.
The ministry also indicates that following the implementation of the new regulations, sanitary inspections will scrutinize the documentation of imported cosmetic products. Non-compliance will lead to prohibitions on said imports, it added.
The ministry confirmed that the sanitary inspection has informed importers that they are not permitted to bring in any products containing TPO, with intentions to enforce punitive measures in accordance with Article 52 of the Cosmetic Products Act.
This regulation entails fines ranging from 500 to 25,000 euros for legitimate entities found in violation. In addition, an officer of the entity could incur a fine from 200 to 2,000 euros, while an entrepreneur might face penalties from 300 to 6,000 euros, and a natural person from 200 to 2,000 euros.
The ministry emphasized that they have yet to receive any formal notifications from EU entities, manufacturers, distributors, or importers concerning specific TPO-containing products.
“Considering the available information and EU legislation, the Directorate for Sanitary Supervision is already active in this matter as part of its routine operations,” the department highlighted.
It was explained that the 2019 Cosmetic Products Act unequivocally states that only safe products devoid of prohibited or restricted substances, including those classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction), may be sold unless exceptions are proven safe and verified by the European Commission (SCCS).
“Sanitary inspectors hold the legal authority to restrict the sale, distribution, or utilization of products that do not comply with the law, based on risk assessments. Inspections are conducted upon importation, in retail sectors, and beauty salons, which encompasses both product examinations and verification of relevant documentation,” the Ministry concludes.
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