Price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications
Price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications: New rules are a burden for industry
The price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications is a topic that is currently the subject of much discussion in the cosmetics and perfume industry. In particular, the new rules for the validation of perfume oils and essential oils, which will come into force from 2024, will lead to rising costs and organisational challenges. But what is behind these changes and what impact will the price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications have on manufacturers and end users?
Background to the changes to Cosmos/Ecocert certifications
The Cosmos and Ecocert certification standards are recognised worldwide as the benchmark for high-quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly cosmetic products. Certification according to these standards certifies that the ingredients of a product meet the requirements for naturalness and sustainability.
However, from 2024, perfume oils and essential oil blends will have to be validated directly by the perfume manufacturer – and no longer as part of the overall certification of a finished product. This new regulation will result in an additional validation step, which is not only time-consuming but also involves significant costs.
Why the price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications is unavoidable
The new requirements mean that the perfume manufacturer will take responsibility for the certification of its mixtures in the future. This has the following consequences
Additional certification costs: From now on, validation costs of €350 will be incurred per perfume oil or mixture of essential oils. These costs cannot be fully covered by the perfume manufacturers or the end-product manufacturers and will therefore be passed on to the customers.
Increased administrative burden: Direct validation at the manufacturer’s premises results in additional documentation and testing requirements, which lengthen the entire certification process and make it more expensive.
Higher final prices: The increased certification costs inevitably affect the prices of the end products, which in the long term also affects consumers.
The price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications will thus become an unavoidable part of the production of certified natural cosmetic products.
Which products are affected?
The changes affect all products that contain perfume oils or essential oil blends and are to be certified according to the Cosmos or Ecocert standards. This particularly concerns:
- natural cosmetics with essential oils
- perfumed care products such as creams, lotions or shampoos
- pure essential oils sold as a single product
Since essential oils and perfume oils are an essential component of many natural cosmetic products, the price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications poses a challenge for the entire industry.
Unpredictable times for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications – a major obstacle
Another major problem, in addition to the price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications, is the unpredictable processing times, which massively slow down manufacturers and brand owners. Although all raw materials for a product have already been certified, the certification bodies still require up to 9 months (!) for product certification. These long processing times make it almost impossible to respond to market trends or to launch products quickly – a real deal breaker for many Cosmacon customers who want to be flexible and agile.
For established cosmetics suppliers, the additional costs of €350 per perfume oil or essential oil mixture may still be acceptable, but the extremely long and unpredictable processing times remain a serious problem. Particularly for innovative start-ups or companies that have to react quickly to market needs, the duration of the certification process represents an enormous hurdle. Even optimal planning cannot fully compensate for the long waiting times.
Alternatives and solutions
Despite the price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications, there are ways for manufacturers to partially cushion the costs:
In contrast to the new COSMOS and Ecocert certification regulations, the ISO 16128 natural cosmetics certification remains unchanged. This standard defines the criteria for natural and organic ingredients in cosmetic products and offers a simpler and more cost-effective alternative. The certification process is less complex and still costs a one-time fee of €250 per product.
The advantage of ISO 16128 certification is that it is internationally recognised and provides flexible but clearly structured guidelines for the evaluation of natural cosmetic products. For manufacturers who want to follow the growing trend towards natural cosmetic products, this certification is a cost-effective and uncomplicated option – without the additional financial burden of the new Ecocert and COSMOS regulations.
With ISO 16128, brands can position their products as ‘natural’ while maintaining an attractive price, which is particularly advantageous for smaller companies.
Conclusion: sustainability is becoming more expensive
The new Cosmos/Ecocert rules mean additional costs and effort for manufacturers, but they are a step towards further strengthening standards and improving traceability. The price increase for Cosmos/Ecocert certifications is a challenge, particularly for smaller manufacturers, but it is also an opportunity to focus even more on the sustainability and quality of products.
Cosmacon supports its customers in meeting these new requirements. With our experience in the formulation and certification of natural cosmetic products, we help you to meet the challenges of Cosmos/Ecocert certification while remaining competitive.