The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (CCIP) brought together cosmetics and personal care stakeholders for a landmark exchange with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during its 3^rd General Membership Meeting (GMM) at the SMX Convention Center. The event, themed “FDA Frontline: What’s New & What’s Next?”, was held alongside the Beauty + Health & Wellness Convention.

The gathering provided industry members with a rare opportunity to raise regulatory concerns directly with FDA officials and gain first-hand updates on policies, processes, and digital reforms shaping the cosmetics and personal care sector. Distinguished speakers include CCIP president Christine Reyes, executive vice president for external affairs Janina Gutierrez-Tan (JRadiance Corporation), FDA Center for cosmetics regulation and research officer Esperanza Almenanza, regulation officer for cosmetic and beauty products Ralph Christofer Manapat, together with representative Florlita Gabuna. 

In her remarks, Reyes underscored the importance of continuous dialogue between regulators and industry players. “It’s uncommon for stakeholders to have this level of direct interaction with the FDA. This gathering demonstrates how partnership can advance the cosmetics industry while ensuring consumer safety.”

Opening the discussion with a presentation on Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS), Almenanza outlined how the FDA verifies and monitors products through consumer complaints, routine sampling, and the review of advertisements and marketing claims across platforms.

“Brands should not be intimidated when they receive a notice of non-compliance. What matters most is transparency and providing corrective and preventive actions. Compliance is a shared responsibility, not a punishment,” Almenanza said, adding that product recall protocols are preventive tools for consumer protection, with the urgency and scope depending on the level of risk involved.

Meanwhile, FDA acknowledged existing processing delays and introduced the Food and Drug Action Center (FDAC) hotline as a dedicated follow-up channel to improve communication and reduce backlogs. Moreover, new guidelines are being developed for Functional Pop Beauty (F-POP) cosmetics, with ASEAN standards serving as the foundation and certain categories potentially adopting frameworks inspired by Korea’s functional cosmetics certification.

Addressing key customs and importation issues, the FDA also clarified that it has no direct jurisdiction over the Bureau of Customs but continues to issue public advisories to assist importers. CCIP pledged to support members facing unnecessary or overlapping requirements outside FDA’s authority. FDA officials emphasized their ongoing efforts to work collaboratively with the private sector to enhance efficiency and transparency in regulatory processes.

Through this engagement, CCIP strengthened its role as a bridge between regulators and the private sector. The organization continues to advocate compliance as a driver of innovation, credibility, and sustainable growth—positioning the Philippines as an emerging leader in the global cosmetics and personal care market.

The CCIP is a non-profit trade association representing more than 180 members across the cosmetics value chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, suppliers, and service providers. As a founding member of the ASEAN Cosmetics Association, CCIP serves as the unified voice of the Philippine cosmetics industry, promoting regulatory alignment, collaboration with government and international partners, and global competitiveness.