The joint session of the European Parliament's ENVI and IMCO committees on 29 January 2026 witnessed a sharp divergence of views between Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) concerning the European Commission's Sixth Simplification Omnibus (Omnibus VI), especially over how to balance regulatory simplification with health and environmental safety standards in the cosmetics and chemical regulations. Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP) and Piotr Müller (ECR), both co-rapporteurs, emphasized achieving simplification without compromising safety, advocating science-based assessments and flexible digital labelling, geared especially to ease SME burdens. In contrast, Martin Hojsík (Renew) and Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA) strongly opposed extended grace periods for carcinogens in products, warning such measures dilute consumer protection and allow harmful substances to persist for years, undermining safety.
This debate took place in the European Parliament's ENVI and IMCO joint committee procedure under Rule 59 on 29 January 2026, revolving around the Commission’s July 2025 Omnibus VI package proposing updates to the CLP, Cosmetics, and Fertilising Products Regulations to cut regulatory burdens and adapt to new technologies like digital labelling.
Tsiodras and Müller proposed measurable simplification policies such as supporting digital and modern labelling, exemptions for small packaging, and flexible transition periods, accompanied by science-led evaluations mainly by the EU’s SCCS and toxicology experts. Müller quantified estimated compliance savings of €360 million and cautioned against overly bureaucratic hurdles, citing Polish import data showing high rates of non-compliance among external products. On the other side, Hojsík and Paulus criticized the proposal’s allowance of 5 to 6.5 years to phase out carcinogens, contending that these extended deadlines significantly weaken standards, prolong consumer exposure to toxins, and lack scientific backing. They urged immediate bans and tighter impact assessments. Per Clausen (The Left) joined this critique, calling for a full ban on PFAS in cosmetics and stressing the risks of deregulation. Other speakers like Idoia Mendia (S&D) and Annalisa Corrado (S&D) cautioned simplification should not become a cover for deregulation, calling for greater consultation with civil society and clearer health safety criteria.
Regarding digital labelling, there was broad enthusiasm but with nuanced concerns. Tsiodras and Müller emphasized digital labelling’s potential for SMEs and multilingual packaging, while Hojsík advocated enforceable deadlines and robust import controls. Jutta Paulus criticized the decreasing font sizes on physical labels, questioning actual legibility for consumers, especially youths. The Commission representative Hans Ingels reaffirmed that digital labelling supplements but does not replace mandatory ingredient listings and defended extended transition timelines as necessary to avoid disadvantaging SMEs.
The main cleavages in this debate thus centered on the tension between increasing regulatory flexibility aimed at fostering market competitiveness and reducing costs—especially for SMEs—and maintaining or strengthening consumer protection through stricter timelines and scientific oversight. The impacts of extending carcinogen phase-outs could be moderate to major for EU consumers, civil society, and public health advocates who prioritize safety, while SMEs and product importers may benefit from reduced adaptation costs and compliance burdens. Enforcement authorities and EU regulatory bodies face the challenge of balancing these competing interests, including enhanced import controls and legal clarity.
Looking ahead, the Parliament’s committees planned amendments and votes in early 2026, which will likely reflect these contrasting positions. The European Commission signals a broader follow-up with a new European Product Act later in 2026, expected to close enforcement gaps discovered during Omnibus VI’s implementation. Observers can anticipate a continued balancing act between simplification and safety within future EU legislation affecting consumers, businesses, and regulatory authorities alike.