Algerian authorities have decided to strengthen the control of cosmetic products marketed in their country. A decree of the Ministry of Commerce imposes new conditions for the importation, sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal hygiene products in Algeria [1].
According to this text, published April 21st in the Official Journal, producers and importers will now have to seek authorization from the Ministry of Commerce, prior to marketing any new product. They will have to submit a dossier containing a dozen pieces, including:
name and designation of the product,
relevant precautions and instructions or information for use,
indications on the qualitative composition of the product as well as the analytical quality of raw materials involved,
results of analysis and tests conducted on the raw materials and finished products,
results of tests and methods implemented regarding, in particular, the degree of skin toxicity, transcutaneous or mucosal,
method of identification of batches, model and / or a draft of the labelling,
name, position and professional qualifications of the individual or individuals in charge of the manufacturing, packaging or importation and compliance checks.
This permit is issued upon "opinion of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Algerian Agency for the control of quality and packaging", with the selected criteria not being specified in the text.
Also according to the decree, the Ministry of Commerce has a delay of 45 days upon the date of receipt for filing the application for authorization, to grant or deny permission for marketing.
The publication of this text was expected since the Algerian press had reported the will of the Government to cut down the import bill of cosmetics, but also foster the development of local supply.
For more details, you can download the text of the new decree (in French) by clicking on the image here below:
