New Zealand - Cosmetic Products Group Standard (Amendment) Notice 2024

​New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued ​an amendment notice on ​updated Cosmetic Products Group Standard rules for importing or making cosmetics​, in January 2024.

Changes have been made to Schedules 4–8 (specific rules for ingredients used in cosmetics) to align with rules in Europe.

Schedule 4 – Prohibited ingredients ​
Schedule 5 – Restricted ingredients
Schedule 6 – Allowed colorants
Schedule 7 – Allowed preservatives
Schedule 8 – Allowed UV filters

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being phased out from use in cosmetic products in Aotearoa New Zealand. PFAS has been added to Schedule 4, Table 2 of the group standard.

Cosmetic products containing PFAS ingredients have extended transition periods. The scope of the group standard has been expanded to require any cosmetic product that contains a hazardous ingredient to comply, even if the final product is not hazardous.

This​​ notice comes into force on January​ 1, 2026.​