Asean nations discuss management of cosmetics

Representatives of the 10 Asean member states yesterday shared important lessons about the implementation of guidelines in the management of cosmetics.
The 28th meeting of the Asean Cosmetics Committee is taking place in Vientiane from May 1-4, chaired by Director General of the Food and Drug Department under the Ministry of Health, Dr Somthavy Changvisommid.
Participants are discussing the Asean Cosmetic Directives and brainstorming ways to create a cosmetics standard that is in harmony with European Union and international standards.
Also on the agenda are talks about the creation of Asean regulations concerning cosmetics management and efficient implementation of the Asean Cosmetic Directives. Speaking at the meeting, Dr Somthavy said that in the past almost two decades since the cosmetic products working group was formed in the Asean region, the harmonisation of the cosmetic product regulatory framework had seen progress.
The regulatory framework aimed to set quality standards for all products marketed in Asean. Without strong support from the regulatory authorities and industry in Asean, consumers’ health would not be protected in the long term. The Asean region offers a huge market and many cosmetics companies are introducing more new products.
But there are many challenges to the industry, such as cross border trade that enables adulterated and even counterfeit products to be marketed within and between countries, Dr Somthavy said.
To continue support for Asean collaboration in moving towards harmonisation of Asean cosmetic product regulation, the Asean Cosmetics Committee meeting should be held twice a year, hosted by member countries in alphabetical order, he added. Laos was honoured to host the meeting this year, which was of great significance in enhancing cooperation among Asean member states in increasing the competitiveness of the region’s cosmetic products as well as strengthening best practices among regulators for the benefit of the Asean region. 
 “The meeting continues for another two days and I hope that your stay here will be enjoyable. I am confident that all our discussions will contribute to the continued success of Asean member states’ cooperation, particularly in the harmonisation of cosmetics management,” Dr Somthavy said.
The previous meeting of the Asean Cosmetics Committee took place last November in Indonesia.
Following on from that, the Committee is developing strategies and integration approaches to support improvement of the competitiveness of Asean cosmetics. This reflects the strong commitment to Asean economic integration, especially in the healthcare sector, Dr Somthavy added.