‘Rinse-off' cosmetics consists of any rinse-off substance falling under the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 intended to be placed in contact with the epidermis and/or the hair system with a view to cleaning them (shampoos), to improve the condition of the hair, or to protect the epidermis and lubricate the hair before shaving.
After consulting the Ecolabelling Board, the Commission ruled that the EU Ecolabel may be placed on products which have a reduced environmental impact during their entire life cycle.
"The criteria should in particular promote products that have reduced impact on aquatic ecosystems, contain limited amount of hazardous substances and minimise waste production by reducing the amount of packaging."
Criteria review
The EC announced the criteria of this group has been reviewed in the light of technological developments and the results of which has deemed it necessary to modify the name and the definition of the product group so as to include a new sub-product group and establish new criteria.
The transitional period should be allowed for producers whose products have been awarded the Ecolabel for soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners on the basis of the criteria set out in Decision 2007/506/EC, so that they have sufficient time to adapt their products to comply with the revised criteria and requirements.
Producers should also be allowed to submit applications based on the criteria set out in Decision 2007/506/EC or on the criteria set out in this Decision until the lapse of validity of that Decision.
The following definitions shall now apply:
A full rundown of the Decision can be seen here.