EU vs UK

The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) had undergone significant changes in their cosmetic regulations due to the UK’s departure from the EU (Brexit). The UK Cosmetics Regulation automatically adopts the Annexes of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, as implemented until 31 December 2020. From 1 January 2021, the UK follows its own ingredient management process. This is why since 2021 there have been changes between the EU & UK cosmetic regulations.

Please note that cosmetic products solely placed on the Great Britain (GB – England, Wales, Scotland) market must only comply with the UK Regulation. The United Kingdom is actually England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The cosmetic products solely placed on the Northern Ireland market must only comply with the EU Regulation. This is in accordance with the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol to the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement.