US cosmetics giant Mary Kay has released a statement affirming its support for the reintroduction of legislation to provide a uniform standard for product safety across the US.

The legislation, originally known as the Cosmetic Safety Amendments Act 2012, would enhance the US Food and Drug Administration’s power to review cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic products for safety by requiring product registration, introducing a mandatory reporting system for any adverse effects suffered by consumers following the use of products and requiring proof of product safety.

“Nothing is more important than product safety,” said Terry Jacks, Vice President of Research and Development at Mary Kay. “Every day we spend millions of dollars and conduct more than half a million tests to ensure our products are safe and effective.”

The US$4 bn direct sales company is hopeful that the legislation will be tabled for review by the US Congress this session. “Mary Kay supports strong federal legislation that, once and for all, provides one clear national and contemporary standard for cosmetic products that maintains the continued safety of our products,” said the manufacturer in a statement.

Mary Kay joins the Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association (ICMAD) in supporting the reintroduction of the act. “ICMAD has a long track record of working with federal regulators to promote product safety, honor the best science in our industry and advance small businesses that innovate and provide jobs,” ICMAD CEO Pam Busiek said.