European Commission
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Suspending work on passage of the Cosmetics Directive 7th Amendment, as well as most other initiatives, following the resignation of all 20 commissioners March 15 due to reports of corruption. Other cosmetics issues likely to be affected include metric/inch-pound double labeling, U.S./EU harmonization efforts and the upcoming duty-free ban. The unprecedented move has left it unclear how the selection of new commissioners will proceed; possibilities include the appointment of a "caretaker" college of commissioners or a permanent group. The commissioners' five-year term was set to expire in December. The European Parliament is scheduled to discuss the situation March 22-23. The resignation, coupled with the parliamentary elections in June, could result in a complete legislative freeze until fall, the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association predicted