According to news agency AFP, Estrosi said that from January 1st 2010, the bodies that monitor the quality of cosmetics and their conformity with European regulations will be able to issue the certificates of free-sale (CVL’s).
Previously, only the Federation of Perfume Industries was authorised to issue a CVL, a unique document that certifies that products manufactured in France comply with French public health legislation and European standards.
Speedier process will promote exports
As well as speeding up the process of issuing CVL’s, the new measure is expected to promote the exportation of cosmetics.
Speaking at the opening of the City of Cosmetics, a cosmetics commercial complex in Northern Marseille created at a cost of €10m, Estrosi stressed that all measures to preserve the quality of the certificates would be taken, and that there would be no complacency with the issuing of CVL’s.
The news agency report stated that the cosmetics industry grouping Cosmed will be able to issue the certificates following the announcement.
Cosmetics industry crucial to France
Created in 2000, and now with 500 members representing an estimated 15,000 jobs in France, Cosmed fosters the development of small and medium businesses in the cosmetics industry.
Estrosi also underlined the importance of the cosmetics manufacturing sector in France, which had a €10.4bn turnover in 2008, and a forecasted growth of between three and four per cent in 2009.
He added that research and innovation are key, claiming that the organic cosmetics industry could represent 30 per cent of the market within two years compared to its one per cent maket share five years ago.