Vietnam adopts the updates and amendments to the Asean Cosmetic Directive

On May 25 and 27, 2022, an online conference for the 35th ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) Meeting was held. The aim of the meeting was to provide up-to-date information on standards, rules and regulations in ASEAN region, in order to let the industry have sufficient time to plan for compliance in ASEAN member states. 

These are the following changes that are adopted during the meeting for the Updates and Amendments to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) in an official statement on July 6, 2022: 

• Climbazole (CAS number: 38083-17-9) and Titanium Dioxide (CAS number: 53936-56-4) are added to Annex III –  ‘The list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to restrictions and conditions’.  

• Titanium Dioxide was adopted in accordance with the EU amendment and correction to regulation on cosmetic products; the restriction applies to the use in face products in loose powder form and in hair aerosol spray products; herein the use of Titanium Dioxide as colorant and UV filter are updated to reflect the restricted use; starting from May 11, 2024 with the grace period of 24 months. 

• For Climbazole (CAS number: 38083-17-9), it is also proposed for ACD Annex VI – ‘The list of preservatives allowed for use in cosmetic products’.  

• This substance is allowed in these following product mix: shampoo (2% as anti-dandruff), hair lotion, face cream, hair conditioner (0.5%) with the margin of safety equal to 116; if the products are not extensively used in ASEAN member states; the grace period is 18 months starting from November 11, 2023. 

• 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (CAS no.: 569646-79-3) is added to Annex VI - ‘The list of preservatives allowed to use in cosmetic products’, applies to oral care products according to the EU amendment, comes into effect immediately. 

• Deoxyarbutin (CAS no: 53936-56-4) is added to Annex II – ‘The list of substances which must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products’, effective May 11, 2023 with a grace period of 12 months.  

• Dihydroxyacetone (CAS no.: 96-26-4) is amended in accordance with the EU regulation in Annex III – ‘The list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to restrictions and conditions’, starting from November 11, 2023, with the grace period of 18 months. 

• Isopropyl isostearate (CAS no.: 68171-33-5) is removed from the Annex II – ‘The list of substances which must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products’.