SCCS

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) is an independent scientific committee that provides the European Commission with advice on the safety of consumer products, particularly cosmetics.

Here are some of their key activities:

• Safety Assessments: SCCS evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients and products, ensuring they do not pose a risk to human health.
• Guidance Development: They develop and update guidelines for the testing and safety evaluation of cosmetic ingredients, incorporating the latest scientific knowledge and methodologies.
• Regulatory Advice: SCCS advises the European Commission on matters related to consumer safety, including the safety of chemicals and other substances used in consumer products.
• Scientific Opinions: They provide scientific opinions on specific substances and products, which can influence regulatory decisions and policies.

The SCCS is actively involved in the validation and promotion of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for safety assessments. Here are some ways they contribute:

• Development and Validation: SCCS closely follows and supports the development and validation of NAMs, which include in vitro and in silico methods. These methods are crucial for assessing the safety of cosmetic ingredients without using animal testing.
• Guidance Updates: They regularly update their Notes of Guidance to include the latest validated NAMs and ensure these methods are incorporated into safety evaluations.
• Collaboration: SCCS collaborates with other scientific bodies and regulatory agencies to harmonize the use of NAMs and ensure they meet regulatory requirements.
• Scientific Reviews: They conduct thorough scientific reviews of NAMs to ensure their reliability and relevance for regulatory purposes.

For assistance or inquiries, you can contact SCCS via email at SANTE-SCCS@ec.europa.eu.