Reacting to the growing difficulties confronting their field, several prominent figures in the French beauty sector presented a compilation of legislative and commercial suggestions to Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, aiming to reinforce the competitive edge of European items.
On October 15, during the Cosmetic 360 trade fair in Paris, European Commission Vice President Stéphane Séjourné engaged in discussions with various executives from the French beauty industry concerning the prevailing difficulties in the sector. The assembly was instigated by the Cosmetic Valley Competitiveness Cluster and the French Federation of Beauty Companies (FEBEA).
As a substantial economic driver in France and throughout Europe, the beauty sector is becoming progressively uneasy about increasing menaces to its operations. Key figures in the industry highlight the expansion of European rules, fresh U.S. tariffs, and lessened consumer expenditure in China as significant issues. In an atmosphere of heightened global rivalry, these elements are impacting a sector that underpins 300,000 direct and indirect employments in France and almost 3 million across Europe.
International trade and regulations
As a countermeasure to these difficulties, representatives from the beauty industry have introduced a suite of proposals encompassed within the FEBEA Beauty Industry Package, a planned course of action sanctioned by almost 80 business heads, intended to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and influence in France and Europe.
Regarding commerce, the industry is appealing to the European Commission to stimulate global exports via new reciprocal trade arrangements (with Indonesia, India, etc.) and to solidify the European marketplace by additionally easing the transit of products crafted within Europe.
Concerning regulation, the sector seeks a streamlined version of the current structure and impartial, evidence-based handling underpinned by open impact evaluations. The Omnibus Chemistry and Cosmetics Regulation and the novel Urban Wastewater Directive are of specific concern.
Manufacturers are also advocating for more decisive action against unlawful activities—like counterfeiting and illegitimate marketing strategies—mainly by holding accountable the digital platforms that facilitate these practices.
“The beauty sector has considerable faith and anticipation that the European Commission will assist our enterprises amid increasing global competition and progressively intricate regulations. Hence, we are urging that the industry be equipped with the assets to uphold its global leadership,” stated Emmanuel Guichard, General Delegate of FEBEA.
“To remain competitive, our sector wishes to rely on the backing of the European Union, which should prioritize this as one of its strategic objectives,” adds Marc-Antoine Jamet, President of Cosmetic Valley.
A European strategy for the cosmetics industry?
In reply, Stéphane Séjourné reassured that the European Commission is resolved to expedite industrial competitiveness by focusing on three primary areas: regulatory simplification, shielding the internal market from unjust competition, and bolstering demand. He believes that the Industrial Accelerator Act, the Chemical Omnibus (Cosmetics element), the Environmental Omnibus, and the broadening of free trade agreements are steps in this direction.
“Considering the challenges both globally and within the internal market, structuring a strategic discussion with the beauty sector is vital,” he concluded.
