Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2005-0015)
The main purpose of DOH Administrative Order No. 2005-0015 is to adopt and incorporate the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme and the ASEAN Common Technical Documents into the Philippines' national requirements for cosmetics.
All cosmetic manufacturers, traders, exporters, and importers of all cosmetic products in the Philippines are covered under the scope of this Administrative Order.
The definitions follow the terms provided by the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and ASEAN Common Technical Documents, except in cases where they conflict with Philippine national laws, in which case Philippine laws prevail.
The Department of Health supports cosmetic industry members aiming for ASEAN regional and global markets by adopting the ASEAN Harmonized Regulatory Scheme and encourages small and medium enterprises to upgrade their technologies to meet ASEAN standards.
They include: ASEAN Definition of Cosmetics and Illustrative List by Category, ASEAN Cosmetic Ingredient Listings and Handbook of Cosmetic Ingredients, ASEAN Cosmetic Labeling Requirements, ASEAN Cosmetic Claims Guidelines, ASEAN Cosmetic Product Registration Requirements, ASEAN Cosmetic Import/Export Requirements, and ASEAN Guidelines for Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice.
A transition period is allowed until December 31, 2007, for the cosmetic industry to comply with the ASEAN Labeling Requirements from the enforcement of this Order.
All previous Administrative Orders, Bureau Circulars, Memoranda, or parts thereof concerning cosmetic products that are inconsistent with this Order are repealed.
The Order took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The Department of Health encourages and supports small and medium enterprises by promoting technology updates to conform to ASEAN standards and providing regular technical information dissemination programs through BFAD in cooperation with the cosmetic industry associations.