Finland's customs authority, Tulli, conducted inspections last year on 155 cosmetic products for compliance with regulations, resulting in 27 products being rejected, primarily from outside the EU. These items included various products, such as sunscreens, exfoliants, hair removal creams, makeup, and lotions that failed to meet safety standards. The authority has emphasized a focus on allergens, specifically concerning restricted fragrances and preservatives outlined in cosmetic legislation.

The scrutiny doesn't stop with current regulations as Tulli plans to start monitoring asbestos in powdered cosmetics, indicating an expansion of their safety oversight. Jonna Savander, head of product safety at Tulli, noted alarming health risks tied to certain items detected during the inspections, such as an eye cream that contained a high concentration of aerobic microbes, which could pose serious health threats. As a measure of consumer safety, these non-compliant products were either destroyed or returned to the sellers to prevent them from entering the market.

Additionally, errors in product labeling were prevalent among the inspected cosmetics, highlighting a systemic issue that affects consumer safety. Consumers are urged to be vigilant about product packaging and labeling, especially regarding ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. This proactive action by Tulli stresses the importance of regulatory compliance within the cosmetics industry and its implication for consumer health in Finland.