SCCS calls for experts in risk assessment

09-Dec-2014 - Last updated on 09-Dec-2014 at 11:45 GMT

To meet increasing demand for risk assessments related to consumer safety, the Directorate General for Health and Consumers has called for experts to assist the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety in areas of toxicokinetics and sensitisation testing.

The mission of the SCCS is to provide the European Commission with scientific opinions concerning risk assessment of consumer products, mainly cosmetic products and their ingredients, which the EC uses to develop policies on consumer protection.

The call for expertise is specific to analytical chemistry, toxicokinetics including modelling, reproductive toxicity, dermatology, sensitisation and in vitro toxicology.

According to the Directorate General for Health and Consumers, experts must also in addition have experience in risk assessment, particularly related to consumer safety.

"Scientists experienced in more than one area will be advantaged" and applicants are reminded that the workload will be substantial; "members of the working groups are expected to participate in monthly meetings in Luxembourg in addition to the work they contribute individually".

Applications from interested candidates should be submitted online by 11 January 2015 indicating, the area of expertise being applied for (click on the SCCS box at page 3 of the form).

The work of the SCCS

The SCCS's advice is intended to enable risk managers to take the adequate and required actions in order to guarantee consumer protection.

The Committee addresses questions in relation to the safety, allergenic properties, and impact on consumer health, of products and ingredients such as toys, textiles, clothing, cosmetics, and personal care products.

By the end of 2006 the SCCP had adopted close to 100 opinions or position papers on topics such as fragrances, hair dyes, sunbeds, tooth bleaching, preservatives, UV filters, and other substances.

Recent rulings

The call comes weeks after the European Commission notified the World Trade Organisation it was prohibiting the use of 3-benzylidene-camphor (3-BC) in cosmetics.

The substance will be deleted from Annex VI's list of authorised UV filters of the European cosmetic products Regulation (CPR), and added to prohibited substances in Annex II.

The announcement followed an assessment by the SCCS last year that concluded the substance was not safe for use, due to its oestrogenic, anti-oestrogenic and anti-androgenic effects.

The WTO will accept comments on the proposal until 19 January 2015, while the date of adoption for the Regulation defining these actions is May 2015.