EU Cosmetic Product Registration

Since July 11, 2013, EU Regulation 1223/2009 has been in force, replacing the former Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EC). Its main goal is to guarantee a high level of protection for European consumers and facilitate the free movement of cosmetic products within the EU. Unlike the directive, which could only exert pressure on member states to apply it, the regulation is directly binding. This ensures that the 32 countries that have signed it must apply it uniformly, promoting consistency in EU cosmetics registration.

In January 2021, the UK officially left the European Union, relieving itself of the obligations imposed by the EU Regulation. However, even though the UK is no longer obligated to follow the regulations for registering cosmetics in Europe, it still requires cosmetic products to undergo a positive Safety Assessment and possess a Product Information File (PIF), as was the case in the past. On this view only, the UK still follows the EU cosmetic product registration.

To understand what specific requirements the UK cosmetics registration implies, consult the dedicated services page. 

As you may already know, to sell a cosmetic product in Europe, there are numerous requirements that must be fulfilled. The EU Regulation has established a comprehensive set of rules for registering cosmetics in Europe that demand expertise to ensure compliance. The process of EU cosmetics registration is renowned for being the strictest in the world. Since its implementation in 2013, many other countries worldwide have been inspired to adopt similar requirements based on the EU regulation for their own markets.

This is why having EU/UK-compliant products significantly eases the process of registering cosmetics in other markets, as many of them either follow the same rules or have less stringent requirements. This is true for countries such as the United States, Canada, Turkey, Georgia, Israel, Ukraine, and ASEAN countries. Thus, adhering to EU cosmetic product registration can facilitate cosmetics registration in various markets.

As you may already know, to sell a cosmetic product in Europe, there are numerous requirements that must be fulfilled. The European Cosmetics Regulation has established a comprehensive set of rules for registering cosmetics in Europe that demand expertise to ensure compliance. The process of EU cosmetics registration is renowned for being the strictest in the world. Since its implementation in 2013, many other countries worldwide have been inspired to adopt similar requirements based on the EU regulation for their own markets.

This is why having EU/UK-compliant products significantly eases the process of registering cosmetics in other markets, as many of them either follow the same rules or have less stringent requirements. This is true for countries such as the United States, Canada, Turkey, Georgia, Israel, Ukraine, and ASEAN countries. Thus, adhering to EU cosmetic product registration can facilitate cosmetics registration in various markets.

OUR EU COSMETICS REGISTRATION SERVICES

As a full-service solutions provider, we clear the path towards the safety and compliance of your cosmetics with our leading-edge PIF, Safety Assessment and Responsible Person services.

The registration process consists of 5 steps

EU COSMETICS REGISTRATION PROCESS

Step 1

The Formula Check

Step 2

The creation of CPSR

Step 3

The Label & Claims Check

Step 4

The CPNP/SCPN notification

Step 5

The Responsible Person Service

The first step of every cosmetics registration in Europe process always begins with the full assessment of the formula of the product to confirm it meets the EU requirements.

During this step, our Safety Assessors will:

  • Check all documents related to the ingredient (MSDS/COA/Non-animal testing/IFRA, etc.)
  • Verify that the ingredients do not have restrictions established by European regulations and that the limits of use (if there are any) are in compliance.
  • Check that the ingredients used are suitable for cosmetics (cosmetic grade ingredients).
  • Check the toxicological profile of each ingredient
  • Verify if the ingredient contains any impurity 
  • Check the SCCS opinions, industry guidelines and other regulations (REACH, CLP)
  • Calculation of the MoS (Margin of Safety) for each ingredient and/or search for supporting documents (reliable literature) that declare each ingredient safe at the added dose in the finished product

After this step is completed, we are able to certify if your formula is EU/UK compliant or if you need to adapt anything to it so it meets the requirements.

After the formula has been assessed, the second step of the  cosmetics registration in Europe is to ensure the finished product complies with all requirements. After having checked all the documents related to the ingredients and finished product (Part-A), our Safety Assessors perform the full Safety Assessment and sign the conclusion of the report (Part-B). Once the CPSR is complete, all documents are organized into a Product Information File (PIF).

EU cosmetics registration

Here is the last part of the compliance check of a product: the label and claims check. During this step, our experts will advise on the elements to appear on your labels and will tell you which claims can be used for cosmetic use and how they need to be sustained. A full report is handed over to you so you can make the necessary updates on your artworks.

Once the full compliance of the product is certified, the product is ready to be notified on the official portals. As your Responsible Person in the EU, we notify your product on the CPNP “Cosmetic Products Notification Portal”. As your UK Responsible Person, we notify your product on the UK portal, the SCPN. 

The final step of the process is to appoint a Responsible Person. This person needs to be located in one of the EU-27 to be responsible for your products in Europe and be located in the UK to be liable for your products in the UK. The Responsible Person service also includes cosmetovigilance to monitor any change in the ever-evolving regulation to ensure your products remain compliant at all times.

EXPERT GUIDANCE FOR SEAMLESS COSMETICS REGISTRATION IN EUROPE

While we understand that registering cosmetics in Europe can be complex, our expertise in regulatory consulting for cosmetics businesses can provide seamless guidance for cosmetics registration in Europe.

Why Navigate Alone?

Registering cosmetics in Europe demands meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to regulations. Our comprehensive services offer:

Compliance assurance

We meticulously review your product against EU regulations, minimizing risk and delays.

Expert guidance

Our team of experts demystifies the EU cosmetics registration process, ensuring you understand every step.

Streamlined process

We handle the complexities of registering cosmetics in Europe, leaving you free to focus on growing your business.

Peace of mind

Knowing your products are compliant with EU cosmetic product registration allows you to enter the market with confidence.

READY TO UNLOCK EUROPE’S POTENTIAL? 

Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and benefit from our regulatory consulting for cosmetics businesses. We’ll help you achieve EU cosmetics registration and your European expansion goals with confidence and compliance.

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