Key takeaways on CTPA’s key points of focus
- The CTPA intensified engagement with ministers, regulators and government departments throughout 2025.
- Major advocacy work focused on UK REACH reform, regulatory cooperation with the EU, and wastewater policy.
- Sustainability remained a priority, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), packaging recyclability and take‑back schemes.
- Non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) progressed through training workshops and cross-industry papers.
- 2026 will centre on digital labelling, scientific development, sustainability guidance, global trade support and strong Public Affairs activity.
To help us understand some of the key issues impacting or influencing the cosmetics industry in the UK market, we spoke to Dr Emma Meredith OBE, who is director‑general at the Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), about what the trade association has been advocating for over the past year and what’s next on its agenda.
CosmeticsDesign‑Europe (CDE): Hi Emma, what were some of the key issues for the beauty and personal care industry – and therefore the CTPA – in 2025?
Dr Emma Meredith (EM): I’d like to share a few highlights of CTPA’s work in 2025. Firstly, on advocacy, as part of our engagement at ministerial level, in October CTPA made a Budget Submission to HM Treasury. Ahead of the autumn Budget, HM Treasury had welcomed submissions to understand views on existing policy and thoughts on any new strategies. The CTPA submission outlined key recommendations on growth, better regulation and reducing barriers to growth, highly specific for our industry and targeted, prioritised and actionable.
The Budget Submission discussed subjects not just of interest to the Treasury, but also to valued stakeholders in a range of critically important government departments and regulators. I therefore shared the document with ministers and other key government contacts.
For UK advocacy, the IWC Report and micropollutants in wastewater were major focuses. In 2025, the Independent Water Commission (IWC) launched a Call for Evidence concerning the Water Regulatory Sector System in England and Wales. The Call for Evidence was extensive and included a reference to the revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). This was a huge concern for the industry, and CTPA therefore actively engaged with key Defra officials and ministers on this, sharing the industry’s concerns over the use of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for this matter and offering solutions that would be far more efficient at tackling wastewater than EPR. I have also shared our concerns with No. 10, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Treasury.
Moving on to other workstreams, and regulatory cooperation on chemicals between the UK and EU, CTPA led the development of a ‘key asks’ paper on regulatory cooperation on chemicals between the UK and EU. This was shared with senior officials and stakeholder groups prior to the Trade Specialised Committee meetings under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement in autumn 2025, and achieved a large number of co‑signatories from both the UK and EU.
Another area where CTPA was extremely active is UK REACH, approaching discussions with a problem‑solving perspective and advocating for regulatory cooperation between the UK and the EU, to help reduce the burden on businesses on both sides of the Channel while providing regulators with assurance on chemicals safety.
CTPA’s outreach on REACH has been significant, not only in its long‑term engagement with Defra, but also with the HSE, the CIA (UK Chemical Industries Association), the UK Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) on the UK/EU TCA (Trade and Cooperation Agreement) and with Cosmetics Europe, with whom CTPA wrote a joint letter to the EU Commission and met with DG TRADE.
Another key ask on UK REACH has been for the registration deadlines – originally due in October 2026 – to be extended. CTPA contributed to the Defra consultation on extending the current UK REACH transitional registration submission deadlines, reflecting industry’s desire for more time to prepare, spread costs and adjust to the ATRm (Alternative Transitional Registration model). We were pleased to see the announcement from Defra in December that the registration deadlines will be extended to 27 October 2029, 27 October 2030 and 27 October 2031.
Extending the deadlines gives certainty to businesses that work does not need to begin yet, and allows time for Defra to develop a less burdensome ATRm, reducing costs for businesses whilst maintaining consumer and environmental safety.
CDE: When we spoke to you last year, the advent of non-animal New Approach Methods (NAMs) for chemical safety assessment was an important area for CTPA. Do you have any updates on this?
EM: On non‑animal science, CTPA led the development of a cross‑industry position paper on promoting the use and regulatory uptake of non‑animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety assessment.
CTPA also hosted a NAMs event in September, offering practical training on how to use NAM‑based approaches for cosmetic products and chemical safety assessors, focusing on Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) methodology, read‑across, and the application of Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA). UK regulators and industry experts engaged in a dedicated workshop. No other industry organisation has convened such a workshop in the UK. Establishing this type of dialogue between industry and regulators is fundamental to relationship‑building for all areas of chemical regulation that may impact us, as well as the long‑term success of applying new NAM approaches in the UK.
CDE: Any updates on sustainability regulations?
EM: Another very important topic on which CTPA has been heavily engaged with Defra is Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR). In 2025, one of the many asks from CTPA was the vitally important delay in the enforcement deadline for data requirements under pEPR, in particular for Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) classifications. This is something CTPA specifically asked when it met with the Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State at Defra and her lead officials in May.
CTPA was therefore very pleased to welcome the PackUK announcement that Regulatory Position Statements (RPS) by the four home nations regarding the reporting deadline for RAM classifications mean enforcement action will not be taken, provided the classifications are submitted by 1 April 2026. CTPA’s dynamic, solution‑driven engagement with the authorities on many aspects of EPR continues.
On sustainability in packaging, CTPA delivered a report recommending the way forward with a harmonised industry Take‑back Scheme (TBS), including a series of workshops to help engage members in such an approach, as well as visits to stakeholders involved in the reprocessing of industry material.
CDE: What else has been important over the past year?
EM: CTPA has also been actively engaging with OPSS and other industry stakeholders on the progress of the Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) legislation. CTPA is ready to support OPSS in its implementation and on relevant projects. This includes exploring with members the challenges and opportunities behind digital labelling options for the UK.
Sun safety featured significantly in our communications and advocacy work. In June, the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty and Wellbeing launched an inquiry into the safety of UV. CTPA contributes to public health communications on sun protection with annual Sun Protection Campaigns highlighting important information to consumers about how to enjoy the sun safely. I was, therefore, honoured to be invited to provide oral evidence to the inquiry, and CTPA also submitted a response.
With our International team, CTPA continued to increase its reputation in China at both national and provincial level and supported UK Government in the signing of the OPSS‑NIFDC (National Institutes for Food and Drug Control) Memorandum of Understanding.
CTPA continued its work with Government on FTA discussions and on trade barriers: CTPA was quoted in the Government statement on the signing of the UK‑India FTA, as the cosmetics sector should be a key sector to benefit from the agreement; CTPA supported DBT with its increasing engagement at WTO level on trade barriers; established mechanisms to track trade barriers and WTO notifications with key UK Government stakeholders; and took action when needed.
The biennial CTPA International Seminar 2025, which coincided this year with International Trade Week led by DBT, took place in November to a sell‑out attendance.
Promoting sound information and education on cosmetics and personal care products is a key part of CTPA’s communications work. As part of this, and as skincare trends become increasingly popular among children and young people, CTPA launched a new campaign in December: “SkinCare Simplified – A Parent’s Guide”. More information is available here: https://www.thefactsabout.co.uk/SkinCareSimplified.
As many parents and carers find themselves navigating a fast‑changing landscape of advice, products and social pressures, the CTPA guidance helps them thoughtfully guide their children through these trends, and on age‑appropriate ways to care for children’s skin. With reliable, science‑based information and practical resources, our message is clear: suitable skin care habits for young people should be simple. There is no need for complex routines nor anti‑ageing products. This important campaign sets a positive example, encouraging trust and accountability, and reinforcing the industry’s role as a trusted partner in wellbeing and public health.
Then, let’s not forget 2025 was the year of CTPA’s 80th Anniversary! The 80th Anniversary campaign, launched at CTPA’s Anniversary Dinner in June, honoured the vital role the Association has played over the past eight decades.
CDE: You’ve been busy. So, what’s on your agenda for 2026?
EM: CTPA’s plans for 2026 continue to be based on the key workstreams of UK and EU regulations; science; sustainability and the environment; international; communications; membership; and public affairs, under the four CTPA Strategic Pillars of Influence, Protect, Promote and Lead.
Our work will be supported by the relevant CTPA Committees, which will help guide the work to ensure all members’ needs are heard and to enable members to shape CTPA’s position.
Our work for the coming year will focus on the following topics:
Under UK and EU regulations, we will focus on claims; regulatory compatibility and practicability; digital labelling; and supporting Trading Standards Officers to enhance effective enforcement.
On science, we will continue work on minimising industry burdens from UK REACH ATRm; support the Government in its NAMs Strategy; support consumer and media information on scientific topics; and provide new e‑learning on stability testing and microbiological quality management. All this will culminate in CTPA’s first Scientific Conference.
For sustainability and environmental topics, and building on the foundation work of 2025, we will continue to work on a harmonised Take‑back Scheme; 2026 will see the return of CTPA’s Sustainability Summit in May; the launch of the CTPA’s Sustainability Handbook and Design Hub; and, of course, we’ll continue to support members and advocate on behalf of the industry on environmental policy and regulations.
Our international work will focus on Global Labelling Guidance and updating the CTPA Regulatory Handbook; continued work with DBT to support UK exporters; continued active engagement with the Chinese Government and industry associations; and continued involvement in FTA negotiation and implementation.
Communications will once again cover a broad range of topics, supporting all aspects of CTPA’s work highlighted above, as well as specific campaigns. Our focus remains on tackling misinformation about cosmetic products, emphasising the sector’s essential role for society, and work on industry CSR topics.
All of our advocacy goals will be supported by strong public affairs engagement with Government and all major political parties on key issues affecting the industry and its growth.
CDE: Any thoughts on changing regulations and the issues you have mentioned previously – about regulations taking a more ‘hazard‑based’ approach?
EM: In the UK, CTPA has worked intensively with DBT and OPSS officials in recent years to explain how the UK Cosmetics Regulation (UKCR) is the bedrock of the success of our industry, and contributed to the UK Product Safety Review (PSR). CTPA was pleased to receive assurances that the UKCR is seen as a good example of risk‑based legislation in action. The PSR led the way for the UK Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act, an enabling legislation seeking to extend the powers of OPSS to create secondary legislation in relation to the products and sectors it regulates. CTPA continues to support the intention of PRAM and will be working with OPSS to determine how the cosmetics industry may be able to benefit.
At an EU level, the new European Commission has stated that it is still committed to the EU Green Deal, but is looking to increase competitiveness for EU companies. To do so, it has set the ambition to decrease or remove the burden caused by regulation, allowing companies to focus their need to dedicate time to regulatory compliance on growth instead.
The Commission launched an evaluation process of the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR) last year, looking to determine whether the legislation remains fit for purpose and is able to deliver the agenda of the new Commission on competitiveness for the sector, while continuing to deliver on the objectives of the regulation on product safety. Cosmetics Europe, the European personal care association, is leading on this process, looking at the opportunities available – both in simplification of the rules and in improving the practical elements of how these are applied, while maintaining a risk‑based approach. CTPA is also contributing to the process.
CDE: You also discussed the ‘essentiality’ of the cosmetics industry last year. Do you think the UK Government is gaining a better understanding of how essential the cosmetics industry is? Do you think the industry needs more government support?
EM: I have been pleased by some of the responses from the UK Government acknowledging our industry’s importance in consumers’ lives. However, it is not ‘job done’! CTPA will continue its collaboration with the Government and key stakeholders to ensure they fully understand the value of the cosmetics, beauty and personal care industry to the economy and society, and its robust safety framework. We also want to support the Government’s mission on economic growth and stand ready to work with Government on this important topic.
