Balancing Safety, Compliance, and Artistic Integrity
A Spotlight on Our Regulatory Team's 2024 wins.
As the year draws to a close, we often celebrate product launches, accreditations or successful audits. Today, I want to shift the spotlight to our Regulatory Team.
Behind every vibrant painting, emotional sketch, or expressive mural lies a team committed to upholding global safety standards without compromising the creative brilliance of an artist's vision.
At the heart of our work is a guiding principle: Balancing Safety, Compliance, and Artistic Integrity. Achieving this delicate equilibrium requires more than technical expertise—it demands great understanding of our industry, business, and the trust of artists and customers worldwide. The Regulatory Team excels in meeting these challenges while adapting to the ever-evolving demands of safety and compliance.
In 2024, with dedication and innovative problem-solving have led to remarkable achievements that reinforce our mission to inspire every artist globally, expanding access to our products in diverse markets. Beyond their day-to-day support for global brand initiatives, here are a few standout accomplishments:
- Completion of New EU Poison Control Notification registration.
- Compliance Review and Readiness for New General Product Safety Regulations.
- Compliance Review and Readiness for EU Deforestation Regulations.
Alex Ou
Driving our Long-Term Product Safety Roadmap, Alex has been proactive in monitoring changes to chemical classifications, conducting risk assessments, and implementing critical updates. He is also spearheading the development of an automation platform to streamline complex data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
Hansa Kerai
Our expert in cosmetics and toys, Hansa ensured the timely delivery of a Halloween hero product by assessing alternative raw material compliance. She also successfully registered Snazaroo products under MOCRA, the new FDA system that ensures cosmetic safety in the U.S
Safeer Ahmed
Safeer delivered the 2023/24 Annual Regulatory Update project on time and in full. He is now independently managing the 2024/25 Regulatory Annual Labelling Update, driving consistency and compliance across the board.
Matilda Lamberts
A master of ASTM D4236 (ACMI) compliance, Matilda ensures smooth evaluations of all formulations sold in North America, our largest market. In 2024, she achieved ACMI certification for an impressive 3,000 SKUs.
Vanessa Tenkorang
Since joining in June 2024, Vanessa has already contributed to the Reeves Relaunch NPD and initiated the VOC database project, enhancing product transparency and regulatory insights. She is now supporting our Private Labels initiative.
Collaboration at it’s finest!
Our team's success is built on the solid support and collaboration of our cross-functional departments, including the Artwork Team, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, Procurement, Safety, Sustainability, SOP, Supply Chain, Development, Brand, and Commercial teams. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone for your invaluable contributions!
We actively foster collaboration within our industry through strategic partnerships with key trade associations, including the European Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EWIMA), the British Coatings Federation (BCF), the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artists' Colours Industry (CEPE), and the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI). As an ACMI Board Member and International Co-chair, as well as the recently elected Chair of the CEPE Artist Colour Technical Committee, I am privileged to leverage these leadership roles to ensure our team stays ahead of emerging regulations. These positions also provide a strong platform for advocacy and support, enabling us to effectively address industry challenges and drive progress.
Looking Ahead
Next year, we will address the challenges posed by the newly published EU Classification, Labelling, and Packaging Amendment, the proposed EU Toy Regulations, and the EU Packaging Waste Regulation. These changes will significantly impact how we label our packaging, formulate our products, and strategically select packaging materials to meet compliance and sustainability goals.
As we look to the future, I am committed to leading the Regulatory Team with a clear and strategic vision—ensuring we remain a trusted partner in balancing safety, compliance, and artistic integrity. Together, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and drive sustainability, empowering every artist to create safely and confidently, while strengthening our position as industry leaders.
Cris Cosgrave
Group Regulatory Affairs Director
This is a wonderful & very insightful spotlight into the Regulatory team as well as your collective/individual projects, achievements and plans for 2025. I really enjoyed reading through everyone’s focus areas and individual achievements (although safe to say I have a couple acronyms to google after reading this :D) Congratulations to you all!
Nice article shining a light on the great work the regs team does to support the business
Great for all to learn about the collective achievements and individual contributions of the Regulatory team – and upcoming plans. Often, many aren’t fully aware of the pivotal role that regulatory departments play. Congratulations on a productive year! And any steps you can take to simplify the understanding and execution of upcoming regulatory changes will be greatly appreciated :-).
Great overview Cris, and well done all the team for the excellent year. Sharing the wins for a dept that’s work is often “in the shadows” is key to celebrating success! All the best for 2025
This is a fantastic spotlight on your team and your vision for it Cris. Well done Regs team! I enjoy working with you and understanding the world of Regs and how it impacts and benefits our consumers and our customers.