Frequently Asked Questions

Why did CTFA change its name?

Our Board of Directors selected a new, broader and more contemporary name to better represent our growing and diverse membership in the personal care products industry. In addition, the Board chose a new motto, committed to safety, quality and innovation, to convey our industry’s shared core values.

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How do I get a password for the CTFA members-only site?

Personal Care Products Council members can contact the Council Member Relations Department at 202/331-1770 or at membership@personalcarecouncil.org. If you are not a Council member, click here to join the Personal Care Products Council.

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What are Certificates of Free Sale/Who can apply for them?

For a fee, the Personal Care Products Council issues certificates of free sale (CFS) to Council members. These certificates are required by governments of certain countries that need assurance that products exported from the United States to their countries are the same as products sold in the United States, presumably meeting all state and federal laws and regulations. Exports to these countries must be accompanied by a valid certificate, or the product will not be admitted. For additional information, contact international@personalcarecouncil.org.

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How do I advertise in Personal Care Products Council publications?

Click here for information about advertising in the Personal Care Products Council publications or contact Arlington Publishers Representatives at 847/705-0242 by e-mail at ploomis@arlpub.com.

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How do I order Personal Care Products Council Publications?

To order or get price information on Personal Care Products Council books and CD-ROMs, visit the Personal Care Products Council Marketplace, 301/953-2614, or fax 301/604-0158. For other questions about Council publications, contact publications@personalcarecouncil.org.

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How do I register my company for a listing in the International Buyers' Guide?

Go to www.ctfa-buyersguide.org and click on "Supplier Listings." There is no fee and you will be listed in the next printed edition, as well as the on-line version of the International Buyers' Guide.

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How do I apply for an International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) name?

Fill out and submit Form TN, which can be found at www.ctfa-inciapplication.org .

If you have additional questions, contact Tara Gottschalck at gottschalckt@personalcarecouncil.org.

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How do I apply for a Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number?

Contact the Chemical Abstracts Service at 800/753-4227 or answers@cas.org, or visit their Web site.

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Can the Personal Care Products Council provide sales statistics for the personal care products industry?

No, the Council does not collect statistical information on sales, trends, or marketing for the personal care products industry. Check your library or trade publications.

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I would like to make lipstick, blush, etc. Can the Personal Care Products Council provide information on getting started in the personal care products industry?

The Personal Care Products Council is a member service organization and cannot provide technical assistance to nonmember startups. However, the International Buyers' Guide provides a listing of raw ingredient suppliers, packagers, and other businesses involved in the manufacture of cosmetic products. The International Buyers' Guide can be purchased through the Personal Care Products Council Bookstore. Companies can also access the International Buyers' Guide through the Personal Care Products Council Web site at www.ctfa-buyersguide.org. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at www.fda.gov also offers information on cosmetics.

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