Cosmetics Directive
Council Directive 76/768/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to cosmetic products[2] (as amended) was the main European Union law on the safety of cosmetics.[3] The directive defined a "cosmetic product" as "any substance or preparation intended for placing in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or principally to cleaning them, perfuming them or protecting them in order to keep them in good condition, change their appearance or correct body odours."It introduced a legal requirement to the labelling of 26 specific ingredients at certain concentration thresholds.The amendment also prohibited, since 11 March 2009, to market cosmetic products containing ingredients which have been tested on animals.[8] The amendment does not prohibit companies to use animal testing to fulfill regulatory requirements in other countries.