The European Commission published revised EU Ecolabel criteria in Commission Decision (EU) 2021/1870 on October 22, 2021 to cover cosmetic products and animal care products.
The European Commission published revised EU Ecolabel criteria in Commission Decision (EU) 2021/1870 on October 22, 2021 to cover cosmetic products and animal care products. This repealed Decision 2014/893/EU.
The previous Ecolabel requirement was set in Commission Decision 2014/893/EU, amended by Commission Decision (EU) 2018/1590, for a limited product range, ‘rinse-off cosmetics.’ In line with the EU Ecolabel Fitness Check Report published in 2017, the updated rule expands the scope to other cosmetic products covered by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and to animal care products. The product group name is hence modified to ‘Cosmetic products and animal care products,’ i.e. cosmetic products manufactured for human or animal use.
Product Group |
Scope of Ecolabel in Commission Decision (EU) 2021/1870 |
Examples |
030 |
Cosmetic products for both private and professional use, |
- Leave-on products (creams, oils, skin care lotions, deodorants, anti-perspirants, sunscreen, hairstyling, make-up products, etc.) - Rinse-off products (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc.) |
054 |
Rinse-off animal care products for both private and professional use, any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with animal hair to clean them or to improve the condition of it |
- Rinse-off products (soaps, shower preparations, etc.) |
The aim of this revised Ecolabel criteria is to promote products that limit ecotoxicity and biodegradability impacts, minimize the amount of hazardous substances and recyclable packaging. This new set of criteria and requirements will be valid until December 31, 2027.
Timeline to apply Ecolabel requirements:
- Applications made before the adoption of this new Decision, (EU) 2021/1870 for ‘rinse-off cosmetics’, as defined in Decision 2014/893/EU: evaluation according to Decision 2014/893/EU
- Applications made on or two months before adoption of this new Decision, (EU) 2021/1870: evaluation according to either the criteria set out in new Decision (EU) 2021/1870 or Decision 2014/893/EU
EU Ecolabel licenses awarded based on criteria set out in Decision 2014/893/EU may be valid for 12 months from the date of adoption of this new Decision (EU) 2021/1870.
1. Decision (EU) 2120/1870
2. News Article, Directorate-General for Environment, Clean and Circular economy: Commission extends EU Ecolabel to all cosmetics and pet-care
3. Decision (EU) 2018/1590
Queenie Ho-yan TSE
Technical Services Manager