I HAVE A COSMETIC PRODUCT — WHAT NOW?
Having a cosmetic product ready for sale does not mean it is ready for the EU market.
Before placing a cosmetic product on the EU market, several regulatory steps must be completed under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Here is a simple 7-step roadmap to follow:
1️⃣ Check the formulation
First, make sure all ingredients are permitted and used within the applicable restrictions. Check prohibited and restricted substances, colorants, preservatives, UV filters and other relevant requirements.
2️⃣ Don’t Forget Product Testing
Your cosmetic product should be supported by appropriate testing and technical evidence. The exact tests depend on the product type, formulation, packaging and intended use. Keep testing timelines in mind, as some tests take significantly longer than others.
3️⃣ Appoint an EU Responsible Person
Every cosmetic product placed on the EU market must have an EU-based Responsible Person (RP). The RP is responsible for ensuring that the product complies with the Cosmetics Regulation.
4️⃣ Prepare the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
Before the product is placed on the market, it must undergo a safety assessment carried out by a suitably qualified safety assessor. The assessment results are documented in the CPSR.
5️⃣Check the label
Before printing your packaging, verify that the mandatory information is present and correctly presented — including the RP, nominal content, durability/PAO, precautions, batch number, function where applicable, and ingredient list.
6️⃣Build the Product Information File (PIF)
The PIF brings together the key documentation for your product, including the CPSR, product description, manufacturing method and GMP statement, claim substantiation where applicable, and animal-testing data.
The PIF must be kept for 10 years after the last batch is placed on the market.
7️⃣ Notify the product in CPNP
Before placing the product on the EU market, the RP must submit the required information to the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). CPNP notification is a legal notification — it is not product approval or certification.
🧴 7 steps done? You’re ready to launch your cosmetic product on the EU market! 🚀