OCCL Network – Croatian Institute of Public Health hosts 16th meeting
The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) hosted the 16th meeting of the European Network of Official Cosmetics Control Laboratories (OCCLs) on 7 and 8 October 2025 in Zagreb. The meeting brought together 45 participants from national authorities in 27 countries, attending both on site and online.
A recurring theme of the meeting was the importance of collaboration between OCCLs across Europe in monitoring and ensuring the quality and safety of cosmetic products. Participants reflected on ways to strengthen this co-operation, particularly through the exchange of data and technical expertise and the organisation of co-ordinated, pan-European market surveillance studies. This was exemplified through the presentation and discussion of the results of a co-ordinated test study that focused on two potential contaminants associated with UV filters used in some sunscreen formulations. Concerns were also raised on the quality of certain nail varnishes and the topic of microplastics in cosmetics was discussed.
Participants attending in person were treated to a guided tour of the HZJZ testing laboratories. This special visit showcased state-of-the-art facilities and offered participants the chance to meet and speak with laboratory staff.
Following up on this meeting, the Croatian Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the HZJZ hosted an event on cosmetics and green transition, during which the OCCL Network was presented to the large audience.
The OCCL Network is co-ordinated by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) and provides a platform for knowledge sharing, scientific discussions and collaborative efforts in the market surveillance of cosmetic products. The HZJZ has been an active member since the creation of the network in 2010. On behalf of the European OCCL Network, the EDQM would like to thank the HZJZ for the excellent organisation of the event.
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