Staying on top of trading regulations can be tricky, particularly when deadlines shift. That’s why we have rounded up the key information and dates you need to keep in mind when it comes to MoCRA

In 2022, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Modernisation of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), which is designed to increase the safety of the US cosmetics industry.

The legislation covers four key areas: adverse event reporting, facility registration, product listing and safety substantiation. Here’s our MoCRA update on what’s come into force already, and what we are still waiting for…

Originally, the majority of the regulations in these areas were set to come into force on 29th December 2023. However, the FDA has since experienced delays and extended the deadline for some of the new regulations. 

For example, mandatory Product Listing has been delayed till July 2024, which means brands and businesses have more time to ensure that all of the products, and ingredients, that they are exporting to the US are listed with the FDA.

However other regulations, such as Serious Adverse Event Reporting, still came into force on 29th December 2023. So, if you are exporting to US, you should ensure you have relevant procedures in place for reporting now. 

Victoria Brownlie, Chief Policy Officer of the British Beauty Council said: ‘We know from our most recent Value of Beauty Report 2023 that brands and businesses within the beauty industry have huge aspirations when it comes to exporting and trading beyond our borders. In fact, the UK exported £4.5 billion worth of personal care products in 2021, with this figure increasing year on year.

‘Despite being the third most popular market destination for UK personal care, the US, has always been a tricky market to break into. The Council is working hard to ensure that the latest MoCRA updates do not act as a further barrier to unlocking this exciting market and supporting brands to grow and thrive wherever they choose to trade.’

MoCRA Update – Summary of key regulations and dates: 

• Serious Adverse Event Reporting (29th December 2023)
• Safety Substantiation (29th December 2023)
• Product Listing (1st July 2024)
• Labelling Regulations (29th December 2024)
• Applicable businesses must prove adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) (29th December 2025)

As MoCRA regulations are gradually enforced, the British Beauty Council’s Trade Hub will remain a clear point of reference for useful resources and updates. 

If you wish to find out more about the legislation, and relevant deadlines, you can also find out more on the FDAs website here.