What We Do
CTFA is the South African cosmetic industry’s unified voice and advocate, engaging with local and global stakeholders promoting regulation, impacting policy, providing technical services, thereby meaningfully contributing to our industry.
Our Services
Advocacy
CTFA advocates for members by tracking Government Gazette publications and notifying members of relevant updates. This allows CTFA to prepare consolidated industry positions for government consideration, incorporating member and CTFA feedback.
CTFA presents these positions in writing or during face-to-face engagements, including negotiations. Committees are formed as needed to address technical challenges and develop unified positions, ensuring members’ voices are effectively represented in regulatory matters.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is a key objective for CTFA, consistently driving collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders that influence the South African cosmetic industry. These stakeholders include governmental structures, relevant associations, councils, regulatory bodies, and various global entities, all of which impact the industry’s growth and well-being.
Through these engagements, CTFA ensures effective representation and advocacy for the South African cosmetic and personal care industry.
Local Compliance & Guidance
The CTFA Cosmetic Compendium, which is available to members via the web portal, provides guidance on regulations, standards and codes of practice for the cosmetic and personal care industry. The compendium provides standards (SABS and NRCS) and tools to optimise member compliance. CTFA also consolidates and communicates local guidelines and legislation from various stakeholders in the industry.
Global Alignment
CTFA actively participates in the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) Forum, representing South Africa alongside regulatory authorities from major global markets. This collaboration ensures the highest level of global consumer protection and minimises barriers to international trade through harmonized standards.
Additionally, CTFA engages with the International Standards Organisation (ISO) to promote the removal of trade barriers. By contributing to the development of international standards, we help ensure that South African companies are aligned with global practices, enhancing their export readiness and competitiveness.
Trade Relations
The cosmetics industry is highly competitive and has significant barriers to entry. The South African government and the DTI Cosmetics Desk support new market entrants, SMMEs, black entrepreneurs, and local businesses, aligning with the goals of the National Development Plan, National Industrial Policy Framework, and Industrial Policy Action Plan.
The DTI’s cosmetic sector strategy aims to alleviate constraints for local manufacturers by facilitating safety testing and certification of cosmetic products locally. This makes products more acceptable in export markets and reduces the high costs of overseas testing. CTFA partners with the DTI to drive these objectives and foster market opportunities for local businesses.
Industry-Focused Platforms
CTFA addresses cosmetic industry concerns through structured platforms, including technical committee meetings and ad-hoc subcommittees. These platforms enable collaboration with government and stakeholders to guide technical direction, develop codes of practice, and support regulatory matters.
Active committees focus on key areas such as cosmetic regulations, safe manufacturing practices, and advertising codes of practice. These committees work to develop industry standards and best practices, ensuring compliance and innovation within the South African cosmetic and personal care sector.
Certificates of Free Sale
CTFA’s Executive Director is authorized to sign Certificates of Free Sale (COFS) for member companies, attesting to their registration and product lists. These certificates, endorsed by the DTI and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, help streamline import and export processes.
In partnership with the DTI, Chamber of Commerce, and CECOSA, CTFA works to minimize trade barriers for the cosmetics industry, supporting local businesses in accessing international markets. For assistance with obtaining a Certificate of Free Sale, members can contact CTFA directly.
Artwork Reviews
With the new Department of Health (DoH) regulations in place, understanding regulatory requirements is crucial for all companies. Labeling, claims, advertising, and metrology requirements are now mandatory. CTFA works closely with members, offering proactive artwork reviews and promoting compliance.
We encourage potential members to familiarize themselves with Government notice R1469 Draft Regulations: Government Notice R1469. These regulations, along with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) guidelines, form the basis of the artwork reviews we provide.
Annual Reports & Newsletters
CTFA provides members with comprehensive annual reports and regular newsletters to keep them informed about industry developments. These reports and newsletters offer insights into regulatory updates, market trends, and key industry events, ensuring that members stay up-to-date with the latest information. They also highlight CTFA’s advocacy efforts, collaborative projects, and achievements over the past year.
Through these communications, CTFA fosters a well-informed membership, enabling companies to make strategic decisions and stay competitive. The annual reports and newsletters also serve as a platform for sharing best practices, success stories, and opportunities within the industry, promoting a collaborative and dynamic business environment.
Training & Webinars
CTFA hosts frequent regulatory training sessions and highly informative webinars.
Training sessions are specifically designed to assist individuals in navigating the cosmetic regulatory environment and understanding the detailed requirements for compliant products.
Webinars cover a wide range of topics which include the most up to date regulatory changes affecting the cosmetic and personal care industry from both a local and international perspective.
Vacancies Portal
CTFA offers a vacancies portal that connects member companies with prospective employees. This platform allows members to post job openings and find qualified candidates within the cosmetic industry, fostering talent acquisition and growth. By linking employers with skilled professionals, CTFA supports the industry’s workforce development and ensures members have access to the best talent.