Cosmetic Regulatory Harmonization in ASEAN: A View from Industry

Publication Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

1-2012

Abstract

The harmonization of policies and standards is critical to achieving effective integration among states in a regional political and economic bloc such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In September 2003, the ASEAN Economic Ministers signed the agreement in the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme. The scheme resulted from five years of cooperation between regulators, the ASEAN Secretariat, and industry and aimed to harmonize cosmetic regulations across the region to increase consumer confidence in product safety and reduce technical barriers to trade. From the start, the cosmetic industry -- represented by national industry associations at the local level and by the ASEAN Cosmetic Association -- was actively involved as a partner in the harmonization process. It spoke with one voice, contributed expertise and human resources, and acted in an ethical and constructive manner. This unity, commitment, and responsibility helped the industry build a high level of trust with regulators. Clear ownership from the ASEAN political leadership, coordination and support from the ASEAN Secretariat, and the 'win-win' strategy for consumers, industry, and regulators also helped ensure the success of the harmonization process.

Keywords

cosmetic industry, cosmetic regulations, Southeast Asia

Discipline

Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics

Research Areas

Strategy and Organisation

Publication

Winning Corporate Reputation Strategies: Lessons from Asia Pacific

First Page

77

Last Page

89

ISBN

9780071327039

Publisher

McGraw-Hill

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

McGraw-Hill

Additional URL

https://catalogue.library.smu.edu.sg/record=b1114590~S1https://catalogue.library.smu.edu.sg/record=b1114590~S1

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