Monitoring report · published 18 September 2025 · reflects the rules at that date

Ban of TPO in artificial nail products

Our monitoring reports record the changes to cosmetics rules in a given period, and we publish one each month. Each one is a dated publication: it reflects the rules on the date it was published and is not updated afterwards. For what applies today, read the latest briefings or ask us.

See what happens after launch

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.