Since 01 January 2009, the EDQM has been engaged in efforts to strengthen consumer health protection in Europe, with a focus on the safe use and quality of cosmetics. To foster cross-border collaboration, share technical expertise and enhance quality management in each laboratory in accordance with international standards, the European Network of Official Cosmetics Control Laboratories (OCCL) was initiated in June 2010, following the positive outcome of a survey of market surveillance authorities in 18 European countries. Their willingness to engage in scientific and technical collaboration in the field of cosmetics testing and 15 years of experience of the EDQM with the Network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCL) were the main assets for building a network of official cosmetics control laboratories.