2-Chloro-p-Phenylenediamine (CAS 615-66-7), including its sulfate (CAS 61702-44-1) and dihydrochloride (CAS 615-46-3) salts, is used in formulations for coloring eyebrows and eyelashes. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated the substance and did not consider its use safe for the consumer in hair dye products, including eyebrow dye products, and eyelash dye products. Its genotoxic potential and insufficient margins of safety were at the basis of this conclusion. As a consequence, the European Commission adopted an amendment to the European Cosmetics Regulation to ban this substance and its salts.

Transition periods have been granted by the European Commission for the ban of this substance in cosmetic products:

• From November 22nd, 2019, hair dye products, including eyebrow dye products, and eyelash dye products containing those substances shall not be placed on the Union market.
• From February 22nd, 2020 hair dye products, including eyebrow dye products, and eyelash dye products containing those substances shall not be made available on the Union market.’

Within the context of cosmetics not manufactured in the EU, “placed on the market” means “imported”. Products that have entered the EU territory before the deadline of November 22nd, 2019, and are already notified on CPNP can be sold until February 22nd, 2020. However, products that have not cleared the EU customs by November 22nd, 2019 cannot be sold anymore.