The European Cosmetics Association, formerly named “Colipa” (an acronym initially standing for “Comité de liaison de la parfumerie”), will now be called “Cosmetics Europe - The Personal Care Association”.

At the same time, the association, which has been representing the European cosmetic industry for fifty years, is also adopting a new logo and visual identity and launching a new website: www.cosmeticseurope.eu

The European cosmetics industry is the flagship of the cosmetics industry worldwide. This year our trade association celebrates half a century of working together for our industry. The change of name to ‘Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association’ reflects the importance of this dynamic industry globally,” said Director-General of Cosmetics Europe, Bertil Heerink.

The changes come at a time when the European cosmetics industry, which represents one-third of the global market, is facing several challenges with the shift to a new regulation and the implementation of a final ban on animal testing. Earlier this month, the European Commission opened the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal, the online notification system created for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, which will come into force on July 2013.

The European cosmetics industry employs a total of 1.7 million people either directly or indirectly, including about 17,000 scientists. “Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association” works with 18 multinational companies, 27 national associations and 4000 SMEs.