ABSTRACT
Directive (Dir.) 76/768/EEC relating to cosmetic products (1) is a vertical legislation and every cosmetic product placed on the European market must fulfil its requirements. It would, however, be quite unrealistic to assume that this is a stand-alone piece of legislation that is not affected by other legal texts. In practice, Dir. 76/768/EEC forms part of a complex legislative process that was initiated more than 40 years ago to guarantee the free movement of goods within Europe while simultaneously ensuring the safety of the European citizens and their environment.
