Great Britain follows: TPO banned from 15 August 2026
The EU took the step a year ago — the deadlines differ sharply
On 15 August 2026 the ban on TPO in cosmetic products takes effect in Great Britain. It is the same substance that has been unusable in the EU — and therefore in Austria — since 1 September 2025.
The two rules look alike, but they differ considerably in one respect: their deadlines.
The British dates
From 15 August 2026, products containing TPO may no longer be placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales. Stock lawfully on the market before that date may still be sold through to and including 14 February 2027.
After that, British nail technicians can no longer buy TPO-containing products. Stock they already acquired lawfully, however, they may continue to use up.
Northern Ireland is excluded: EU cosmetics law continues to apply there, so the ban has been in force since September 2025.
Why the EU was stricter
In the EU there was no transition period for professional use. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber made the position explicit: because a salon applies the product to a client as part of a paid service, that counts as making it available on the market — and from the deadline that was prohibited, no matter when it had been bought.
Remaining stock had to be discarded. For many Austrian salons that was a four-figure loss inside a single day. Britain's approach — eighteen months of notice plus a six-month sell-through — is the considerably gentler route to the same destination.
What else changed in Britain
TPO is not the only change this summer. Two further rules took effect there on 15 July 2026: a ban on the UV filter 4-MBC, and a much lower threshold for the formaldehyde warning, cut from 0.05 to 0.001 per cent. New maximum levels for hexyl salicylate also apply from 15 August.
In the EU, meanwhile, the eighth omnibus regulation became applicable on 1 May 2026 — Regulation (EU) 2026/78, in force since 2 February 2026. It adds around eighteen further substances to the annexes of the Cosmetics Regulation, mostly on the back of new CMR classifications.
What it means for you in Vienna
Practically nothing — and that is the actual news. Anyone with an appointment in Austria has for a year been treated with systems that must meet this requirement. The British date matters chiefly if you source products from Great Britain or have an appointment there.
It is also a good moment to ask the same question as always: which system is going on my nails, and what is on its INCI list?
Common questions
Until 14 February 2027 British salons may sell through older stock, and lawfully acquired product may be used up beyond that. If it matters to you, ask them directly for the INCI list.
Rather ask in person?
Call or write to us — we are glad to answer questions about products and procedure before you book.
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