SAFEGUARDS | Cosmetics, Personal Care and HouseholdNO. 037/20
As a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the US FDA has released a temporary guidance to relax certain restrictions on the manufacture of hand sanitizers in order to expedite its release to market. This policy was released without public comment to respond to market shortages but remains subject to comment in accordance with FDA good guidance practices.
This guideline establishes that, due to the public health emergency, FDA will not enforce action against firms preparing alcohol-based hand sanitizers for both consumer and public health use until such a time that the emergency is lifted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services provided certain criteria are met1. In a separate guidance, FDA specifies it does not intend to take action against compounders, including pharmacists in state-licensed pharmacies or Federal facilities, for the duration of the emergency2.
To comply with the guidance, a compounder must use ingredients of United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) grade and utilize the formulation consistent with the World Health Organization recommendations. The compounder is not permitted to add any other active or inactive ingredients, as they may affect the quality and efficacy of the product. Compounders may utilize the following formula:
- Alcohol (ethanol) (80%, volume/volume (v/v)) in an aqueous solution denatured according to Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulations in 27 CFR part 20; or Isopropyl Alcohol (75%, v/v) in an aqueous solution
- Glycerol (1.45% v/v)
- Hydrogen peroxide (0.125% v/v)
- Sterile distilled water or boiled cold water
Particular attention should be paid to ensure the ethanol or isopropyl alcohol is used in the correct quantities and prepared under conditions routinely used to compound similar nonsterile drugs. Simple records should be kept documenting the manufacturing process and assure each batch matches the formulation. The firm should also use the most accurate method for analysis for verification of alcohol content before each lot is released for distribution. This guidance also includes examples of proper package labeling for these products in accordance with the FDA requirements.
Firms should also register their facility and list products in the FDA Drug Registration and Listing System (DRLS). An automatic confirmation will be sent and firms may proceed to manufacture and distribute products without further communication from FDA.
Sources:
- Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency (COVID-19)
- Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency
With the development of new products, regulations for cosmetics, personal care and household are fast changing and increasingly complex. To stay up-to-date with the latest legislation, check out our powerful regulatory compliance platform, SGS Digicomply.
It is crucial for all cosmetic, personal care and household products to be safe effective and stable. SGS provides testing, inspection, auditing and consulting services to manufacturers, distributors and importers to ensure a high level of product quality in every area. Our state of the art laboratories offer custom-made solutions for chemical, biophysical, microbiological, stability and biological aspects. We also have extensive capabilities in performance testing, claim support studies and consumer panels. Our testing is conducted according to customer specific or recognized standard methods, some of which were developed by SGS. Our cosmetic safety assessors and other technical experts can support customers by making sure new products comply with regulatory requirements.
For enquiries, please contact:
Joseph Scognamiglio
Technical Manager
t: 1-973-461-7937
Stay on top of regulatory changes within your industry: subscribe to SafeGuardS!
Read more articles for the Consumer Goods and Retail Industry
© SGS Group Management SA - 2020 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Group Management SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties' contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided "as is" and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS' prior written consent.