UAE notifies WTO of draft perfume legislation
According to the Organization, on the 9th November, the Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority (Esma), addressed its attention to a 26 page document whereby it laid out its concerns in regards to the offering, trading and selling of perfumes and other related cosmetics products on its markets.
"Our main mission with this is to emphasize a recognized risk management system for the safe use of fragrance ingredients, to make sure that there is no risk for the consumer or the environment," Mohamed Badri, Esma director general explains.
"We want to continue to work to ensure the safe enjoyment of fragrances by implementing our local criteria in line with worldwide standards," he adds.
A meeting of minds..
The decision to establish new regulation guidelines is said to have come after Esma met with the 'Fragrance Foundation Arabia' to discuss the standardization and regulation points of the cosmetics and fragrance industry in the UAE market, and its role in terms of supporting the national economy.
"The objective of this meeting was to form a committee and draw up regulations that are in line with the global standards in the perfumery industry," Badri explains.
The final date for comments on the proposed regulation is 60 days from the date of notification. Please see here for more information on that document.
'UAE highest in the world for perfume consumption'
The consumption of perfumes per capita in the Middle East is said to be amongst the highest in the world, according to a report by the Fragrance Foundation Arabia.
"While the global economic environment remains uncertain, we are confident that this region will continue to increase perfume sales.
The report further reveals that the UAE represents a major market for U.S. exports, whilst also serving as a regional hub for companies conducting business throughout the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
"In 2011, U.S. exports to the UAE totaled €15.9 billion, an increase of 36 per cent over the previous year’s levels, overtaking Saudi Arabia as the largest market."
