International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) 15th Annual Meeting held virtually from June 21-23, 2021

The International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) held its 15^th Annual Meeting (ICCR-15) from June 21-23, 2021 under the United States Chairmanship. The meeting was held virtually due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICCR is a voluntary international group of cosmetics regulatory authorities, comprising the Steering Committee (SC) from Brazil, Canada, Chinese Taipei, the European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United States. This group of regulatory authorities meets on an annual basis and holds quarterly teleconferences to discuss common issues on cosmetics safety and regulation, as well as enters into a constructive dialogue with the SC's relevant cosmetics industry trade associations. As stated in the Terms of Reference, the purpose of this multilateral framework is to maintain the highest level of global consumer protection, while minimizing barriers to international trade. In 2021, representatives from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Israel, People’s Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Kingdom participated in the meeting as observers.

As part of this meeting, the regulators had a dialogue with the cosmetics industry trade associations from each respective jurisdiction (including observers) on June 22, 2021.

The Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), Dr. Susan T. Mayne, welcomed the group and made opening remarks.

Opening statements on behalf of the cosmetics industry were made by both Ms. Lezlee Westine, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and Dr. Kenneth Marenus, President of the Independent Beauty Association (IBA).

The following Joint Working Group (JWG) topics were discussed at the meeting:

• Consumer Communications
• Integrated Strategies for Safety Assessment of Cosmetic Ingredients
• Microbiome and Cosmetics

An open stakeholder session was held on June 23, 2021. Representatives from Burt’s Bees and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) made presentations regarding ISO 16128: Natural and Organic Cosmetics and The Case for Cosmetics Reform [in the United States], respectively.

The following are the outcomes of the ICCR-15 cycle:

1. Updates to ICCR Standard Operating Procedures.
2. Amendments to ICCR Terms of Reference.
3. ICCR Logo Usage Guidelines finalized and will be posted on ICCR website.
4. Consumer Communications
   • ICCR SC agreed to work on advancing the topic of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for allergens.
5. Integrated Strategies for Safety Assessments of Cosmetic Ingredients JWG II
   • ICCR SC accepted the "Terms of Reference".
6. Microbiome and Cosmetics JWG II
   • ICCR SC accepted the "Terms of Reference".

The next ICCR annual meeting will be hosted by the Republic of Korea in 2022.