Ban of TPO in artificial nail products
Topic: TPO prohibited in cosmetic products

Date of ban application: 1 September 2025

The European Commission has published comprehensive Q&A guidance addressing industry concerns about the prohibition of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) in cosmetic products, clarifying enforcement requirements and providing actionable guidance for manufacturers, distributors, and nail professionals following the 1 September 2025 ban.

Background

The prohibition of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) stems from TPO’s mandatory inclusion in Annex II (prohibited substances) of the Cosmetics Regulation after its classification as a CMR category 1B reproductive toxicant under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/197. This classification, effective from 1 September 2025, automatically triggered the cosmetic prohibition under Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, with 25 EU Member States voting in favour, 1 against, and 1 abstaining.

What’s new?

Following significant industry queries regarding Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877 prohibiting TPO in cosmetic products from 1 September 2025, the European Commission has released detailed Q&A guidance to ensure consistent enforcement across all EU Member States.

What now?

  • From 1 September 2025 – Complete ban on placing on the market and making available TPO-containing cosmetic products
  • No transitional period – Both new products and existing stock cannot be sold or supplied commercially. All TPO-containing inventory must be removed from commercial premises
  • Manufacturers – Cannot place new TPO-containing products on EU market
  • Distributors and retailers – Cannot sell or supply TPO products regardless of inventory purchase date
  • Professional use prohibition – Nail technicians and salons cannot use TPO products on clients, regardless of purchase date. Must immediately discontinue use of all TPO-containing products in commercial services.

References

European Commission. (2025, August 7). TPO in Nail Products – Questions & Answers.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877 of 13 May 2025 amending Annexes II, III and VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products. Official Journal of the European Union, L 2025/877.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/197 under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.

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