Cosmetics Regulation Changes
The EU “Simplification” Initiative: What the Sixth Omnibus Package Means for Cosmetic Brands
The European Commission’s ongoing push to reduce regulatory burdens has reached a major milestone. Intended to simplify EU laws, boost market competitiveness, and safeguard key economic, social, and environmental goals, the EU “Simplification” Initiative is officially reshaping the regulatory landscape for beauty and wellness brands.
On 17 June, the legislative proposal for the sixth Omnibus package on chemicals successfully exited Trilogue negotiations. With Parliament and Council endorsement expected later this year and publication into law anticipated in November, the timeline for compliance is now taking shape.
While the initiative is designed to streamline processes, we understand it also introduces unexpected new mandates; most notably around digital information.
Here is what brands, from indie labels to multinationals, need to know to prepare for the fast-approaching 2027 and 2028 deadlines.
Note: The final text has not yet been made publicly available, but during our attendance at the recent Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference, the following was communicated by the European Commission.
The 2027 Landscape: What’s Changing?
When the original proposal was published in July 2025, it aimed to eliminate several administrative steps. Following intense Trilogue negotiations, the final text has locked in key compromises that will likely be in place by the start of 2027:
1. New Transition Periods for CMR Substances
The process for managing substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) under the EU Classification Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation is being revised. For regulatory teams, this means a shift in how ban and derogation timelines operate, allowing for more structured transitions when chemical classifications change.
2. The Nanomaterial Notification Compromise
Initially, the Commission proposed removing the nanomaterial notification procedure entirely. Instead, the final agreement strikes a compromise: the notification process will continue, but the 6-month prior notification timeline will be removed. Unfortunately, this doesn’t really feel like simplification, but it will provide more flexibility for brands who need to submit this notification.
3. Deletion of the EU Glossary Ingredient Names
The formal EU glossary for ingredient labelling names is set to be deleted. We understand that this will mean that compliance teams and contract manufacturers will need to identify “internationally recognised nomenclature” to use in its place. We would expect that this will probably remain the ‘INCI’ system but await further clarity from the final text.
The Curveball: Mandatory Website Information
The most significant twist to emerge from the final Trilogue text was not in the original July 2025 draft. In a major move toward digital transparency, the EU will mandate that industry must provide product labelling information directly on their websites.
While full digital labelling details are unfolding, the text clarifies that certain dynamic packaging elements are exempt from the online requirement:
Batch numbers
Date of minimum durability (expiry date / PAO symbol context)
For e-commerce teams and regulatory departments alike, this means the website is no longer just a marketing tool but will also be a legally mandated compliance portal. Of course, under the EU General Product Safety Regulations, some information is already required to be stated on websites and so companies may not need to do too much additional work to meet this requirement for anyone who has not yet complied with the GPSR requirement, this may feel far from simplification!
We understand that although this is likely to be referred to as ‘digital labelling’, we understand that this measure is additional to traditional labelling and will not replace what currently has to appear on the packaging.
Key Proactive Actions for Brands
Although these deadlines feel distant, updating supply chains, rewriting artwork protocols, and auditing digital infrastructure take time. We recommend brands begin focusing on three key priorities:
Audit Your Digital Infrastructure: Work closely with your e-commerce and IT teams to ensure your website can host compliant, easily accessible ingredient and labelling disclosures for every SKU in your European portfolio.
CMR Pipelines: The new timelines will not be applied retrospectively. Any CMR substances that have deadlines published in legislation prior to the publication of this Omnibus (November) will not benefit from the new transition periods. Careful monitoring of any CMRs in your portfolio is crucial to understand what timelines will apply to you and any necessary reformulation.
Standardise Ingredient Nomenclature: Prepare for the deletion of the EU glossary by auditing current artwork against international INCI standards to ensure a seamless transition.
How can Bloom help?
The reality of the EU "Simplification" Initiative is that it often adds complex new layers of operational friction before it truly streamlines anything. From restructuring your digital storefront for mandatory online disclosures to auditing supply chains against the new CMR transition pipelines, beauty brands are facing an administrative hurdle that requires deep, practical expertise to clear. At Bloom, we specialise in helping your brand transition seamlessly from policy understanding to practical implementation.
Whether you need a comprehensive audit of your current digital labelling readiness, strategic guidance on upcoming CMR transitions, or regulatory support for global market positioning, our team is here to future-proof your business.
Get in touch to discuss your compliance roadmap with our experts.
Amanda Isom