Cosmetic Regulatory Harmonization in ASEAN: A View from Industry

• Main Authors: YOUNG, Simon, CHONG, Mark
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2012
• Subjects: cosmetic industry; cosmetic regulations; Southeast Asia; Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/3163; https://worldcat.org/isbn/978-0071327039
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The harmonization of policies and standards is critical to achieving effective integration among states in a regional political and economic bloc such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In September 2003, the ASEAN Economic Ministers signed the agreement in the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme. The scheme resulted from five years of cooperation between regulators, the ASEAN Secretariat, and industry and aimed to harmonize cosmetic regulations across the region to increase consumer confidence in product safety and reduce technical barriers to trade. From the start, the cosmetic industry -- represented by national industry associations at the local level and by the ASEAN Cosmetic Association -- was actively involved as a partner in the harmonization process. It spoke with one voice, contributed expertise and human resources, and acted in an ethical and constructive manner. This unity, commitment, and responsibility helped the industry build a high level of trust with regulators. Clear ownership from the ASEAN political leadership, coordination and support from the ASEAN Secretariat, and the 'win-win' strategy for consumers, industry, and regulators also helped ensure the success of the harmonization process.