Contact the CTFA Secretariat
Our team is available to assist you with regulatory guidance, membership onboarding, Certificates of Free Sale, and general inquiries.
Head Office
Physical Address
59 Woodlands Avenue, Hurlingham Office Park, Bushwillow, Ground Floor Suite 2 & 3, Hurlingham, Sandton, 2196
Telephone
Email Address
Secretariat Operating Hours
Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 16:30 (CAT)
Closed on South African Public Holidays
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I have artwork reviewed without becoming a member?
Yes, you will need to pay a fee for each piece of artwork.
How do I apply for a Certificate of Free Sale (COFS)?
Certificates of Free Sale (COFS) are issued after an artwork review is done on your labelling to ensure the artwork is compliant. Please contact us or submit your application online.
How do I know if my product is a cosmetic?
It would need to meet the definition and function of a cosmetic. In addition, ingredients and claims would need to be considered.
I manufacture products in my home/garage, can I join CTFA?
Products need to have a safety assessment included in a product information file (PIF), as well as be manufactured under GMP conditions. Should your manufacturing and products meet these requirements, you are welcome to contact us to join.
Where can one find the INCI names of raw materials?
The raw material supplier should be able to supply the compositional breakdown for the raw materials. The INCI names are also available on CosIng and PCPC websites.
What is the CTFA Cosmetic Compendium?
The CTFA Cosmetic Compendium contains 13 Sections which cover topics that directly affect the industry and 7 annexures which contain the most up-to-date entries on substances listed in the draft regulations since 2017.
Where can I get my product tested?
Various academic institutions like universities as well as privately owned companies will be able to perform clinical substantiation tests. Some raw material suppliers will be able to assist with stability and compatibility tests. Independent microbiological testing laboratories should be able to do the preservative challenge test.
Where can one find product labelling requirements?
The Department of Health Draft Regulations relating to Advertising, Labelling and Composition of Cosmetics R.1469 (Clause 8) describes the labelling requirements, alongside SANS 98 (Ingredient labelling of cosmetic products) and SANS 289 (Labelling requirements for pre-packaged products). Members can read these standards inside the CTFA Member’s Area (view-only).