COLIPA: European Cosmetics Industry Association

What Was COLIPA?

COLIPA stood for the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association. It was established in 1962 as a European trade association representing the cosmetics and personal care industry.

Its activities included providing scientific, regulatory, legal and technical expertise to the industry and supporting members in relation to European legislation.

COLIPA and Cosmetic Regulations

COLIPA played an important role in supporting the European cosmetics industry in understanding and complying with regulatory requirements. It also worked with European and international authorities on scientific, regulatory and industry-related matters.

COLIPA developed and published various technical guidelines and recommendations covering areas such as cosmetic safety, testing and ingredient assessment. These documents have been widely used as technical references within the cosmetics industry.

COLIPA Codes and Guidelines

COLIPA was also associated with identification codes for certain cosmetic ingredients. For example, some hair-dye ingredients continue to be referenced using Colipa codes in industry and regulatory documentation.

Many historical COLIPA publications remain relevant as technical reference documents, although they should be distinguished from current legally binding EU legislation.

COLIPA and Cosmetics Europe

COLIPA subsequently became Cosmetics Europe, the European trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry. Cosmetics Europe continues to represent manufacturers and national industry associations and works with policymakers on European cosmetics legislation and policy.

In short, COLIPA is the former name of the organisation now known as Cosmetics Europe.

References

Guidelines for Percutaneous Absorption/Penetration – COLIPA.