Ministers of Trade, Export Development, Health, Interior, and Finance Announce Ban on Hair Straightening Products Containing Glyoxylic Acid
The Ministers of Trade, Export Development, Health, Interior, and Finance have jointly announced a decision to prohibit the manufacture, importation, storage, or marketing of hair straightening products containing glyoxylic acid. Published in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic (JORT) on Tuesday, September 9, this decision follows a preliminary study conducted by the National Risk Assessment Agency, which highlighted the presence of glyoxylic acid in the majority of hair straightening products available on the market at concentrations deemed concerning. These high levels pose a serious threat to public health, according to the authorities. In accordance with the provisions of Law No. 117 of December 7, 1992, related to consumer protection, the affected products will be seized and destroyed at the expense of the suppliers. The ministries also specify that all non-compliant products must be withdrawn from distribution channels. The costs of withdrawal will be fully borne by manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Any infringement of these measures exposes the perpetrators to judicial proceedings and the sanctions provided for by the legislation in force.
