Pavel Shapkin, chair of the National Union for the Protection of Consumer Rights, has urged authorities to strengthen oversight of cosmetics manufacturers and retailers. In a formal letter addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Anton Alikhanov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, he lays out the urgent reasons for action and calls for decisive steps to shield shoppers from misleading or unclear packaging and ingredient disclosures. The appeal frames proper labeling as essential for consumer safety and market fairness, especially in a climate where cosmetics are widely purchased and quickly replaced.
Shapkin points to labeling language as a major hurdle. He notes that about 95 percent of cosmetic products present information in Latin, which can be hard to decode for many buyers. In addition, ingredient lists are often printed in fonts that are too small or too faint to read without a magnifier. He adds that a sizable portion of products in major retail networks lacks clear information about what they contain, leaving consumers uncertain at the shelf.
Concerns about labeling are voiced against a backdrop of rising consumer complaints. Many shoppers report irritation, allergic reactions, and other skin issues after using certain cosmetics. Shapkin argues that clearer labels could help people identify potential irritants and allergens before purchase, reducing the risk of adverse effects and saving shoppers money and time spent in doctor visits or returns.
To address these gaps, Shapkin proposes an accelerated introduction of formal labeling requirements. He notes that the current labeling regime is in an experimental stage, with an end date of February 28, 2025, for the pilot phase. After that, he envisions a staged rollout over two and a half years, designed to give manufacturers time to adapt while ensuring customers gain timely access to critical information across products and retail channels.
Supporters of stronger labeling emphasize consistency and recognizability. The plan calls for standardizing terminology, ensuring legible typography, and providing multilingual notes where appropriate so shoppers can compare products across brands with ease. In practical terms, the proposal implies tighter rules, ongoing market monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms to deter misrepresentation and omissions on labels.
Advocates also stress the broader benefits for public health and consumer confidence. Clear, practical data empowers people to make safer, more informed choices about cosmetics, reducing unnecessary exposure to irritants and potential allergens. The reforms would apply across channels and platforms so information travels with every purchase.
Observers note that North American markets already place emphasis on safety and transparency, with regulatory bodies encouraging clear labeling and accessible information for diverse populations. The discussion surrounding labeling reforms mirrors a global trend toward stronger protection for cosmetics consumers. The outcome could shape how brands present ingredients, fragrances, and active components on labels and digital product pages.
Shapkin’s appeal arrives as shoppers increasingly demand accountability from brands. If the labeling program advances, retailers might need to update packaging processes, printing methods, and supply chains to meet new typography and language requirements. For consumers in Canada and the United States, the changes could translate into quicker recognition of potential irritants, easier product comparisons, and greater confidence at every purchase.
Policymakers face a balancing act between protecting health and avoiding unnecessary burdens on business. Shapkin argues that early action yields real gains: fewer complaints, a lower risk of skin-related problems, and stronger trust in consumer markets. The letter thus serves as a call to align cosmetics labeling with clear, consistent standards across manufacturers and retailers.
While the specifics may differ by region, Canada and the United States already maintain robust oversight frameworks for cosmetics. Observers expect the push for clearer labeling to influence brand presentation, encouraging transparency across packaging and digital listings. In the end, the aim is to help every shopper verify a product’s ingredients at a glance, no matter where they shop.