Concerns proposed Therapeutics Bill will have consequences for shampoo, toothpaste and makeup

There are concerns the Therapeutic Products Bill currently making its way through Parliament could have unintended consequences for the cosmetics industry. The widereaching bill replaces the Medicines Act, currently the main legislation governing access to medicines and medical devices - and the Dietary Supplements Regulations which govern natural health products. The proposed changes would also overhaul the Sunscreen Act, which was brought in just last year - making redundant the work more than 50 companies are doing to meet the new standard. It would also mean any makeup product with an SPF over 30 - such as a foundation or lip balm - would fall under the new requirements, despite their primary function not being a sunscreen. Cosmetics New Zealand is at pains to remind people their industry is not just 'mascara and lipstick', warning many shampoos and toothpastes could be regulated out of the market. Martha van Arts is the general manager at Cosmetics New Zealand.