As the United Kingdom is heading towards a General Election this year, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) — the UK trade association representing companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products – is calling for the next Government to develop a strategy for the cosmetics and personal care industry to secure the continued sustainable growth of the sector.

The association’s 12 key asks are developed in its first ever Manifesto (www.ctpa.org.uk/CTPAmanifesto2024). Gathered under five pillars (Essentiality, Regulation, Science, Sustainability and Business) these 12 asks are described as “the most important things Government can do to help ensure the continued growth and success of the sector.”

According to CTPA, the next UK Government should: promotes the essentiality of the industry’s products and services, maintains strict risk-based safety legislation, protects science-led decision-making, provides a framework for growth with sustainability at its core, enhances the competitiveness of the UK industry for both import and export, champions the UK industry as a leader in product manufacture, design and innovation.

For instance, CTPA says a formal UK/EU cooperation structure for the cosmetics and personal care industry should be created to facilitate trade and regulatory cooperation. The association also explains the Government will have to ensure consistent implementation of new rules within the UK internal market across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and be supportive of take-back schemes and to invest in a harmonised infrastructure for recycling. CTPA also advocates for the return of tax-free shopping in the UK to boost tourism spending in stores and at airports…

“To date, the cosmetics and personal care industry has not had a dedicated Government strategy focused on this vital sector. CTPA would like to work with the UK Government after the General Election on a strategy recognising the essentiality of the industry’s products and services by maintaining the strict risk-based safety legislation, protecting science-led decision-making whilst providing a framework for growth with sustainability at its core. The strategy should also enhance the competitiveness of the UK industry for both import and export and champion the UK industry as a leader in product manufacture, design and innovation,” said Dr Emma Meredith, CTPA’s Director-General.

The full Manifesto, including all key asks and rationales is available at:
www.ctpa.org.uk/CTPAmanifesto2024