Introduction
Selling cosmetic products in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) requires more than a great product—it requires compliance with strict regulatory standards.
Whether you’re launching skincare, makeup, haircare, personal care products, or beauty products through Amazon, Shopify, distributors, or retail stores, understanding EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and the UK Cosmetics Regulation is essential.
Many cosmetic brands invest months developing products only to discover they cannot legally sell them due to:
- Missing CPNP or SCPN notifications
- Non-compliant labels
- Unsupported product claims
- No Responsible Person
- Incomplete regulatory documentation
This guide explains everything you need to know to achieve successful cosmetic compliance in Europe and the UK.
Why Cosmetic Compliance Matters
The European Union and the United Kingdom maintain some of the world’s most rigorous cosmetic regulations. Every cosmetic product must comply before entering the market.
Failure to comply can lead to:
✔ Product launch delays
✔ Customs clearance issues
✔ Product withdrawals
✔ Retail rejection
✔ Amazon listing suspension
✔ Regulatory enforcement
✔ Financial losses
✔ Brand reputation damage
The good news: Most compliance issues can be identified and resolved before your products reach the market.
What is the CPNP?
The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is the official online notification system for cosmetic products sold within the European Union.
Before placing a cosmetic product on the EU market, the Responsible Person must submit a CPNP notification containing essential product information.
Required Information Includes
- Product name
- Cosmetic category
- Responsible Person details
- Country of origin
- Product packaging images
- Ingredient list
- Nanomaterial information (if applicable)
- Frame formulation
Important: Without a completed CPNP notification, cosmetic products cannot legally be marketed within the European Union.
What is the SCPN?
Following Brexit, cosmetic products sold in Great Britain must be registered through the Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications (SCPN) portal.
Although many requirements are similar to the EU system, SCPN is a separate regulatory process.
Products sold in England, Scotland, and Wales generally require:
- UK Responsible Person
- SCPN Notification
- UK-compliant labels
- UK regulatory documentation
If your products are marketed in both the EU and the UK, separate CPNP and SCPN notifications are typically required.
Do You Need a Responsible Person?
Yes.
Every cosmetic product marketed in the European Union must have an EU Responsible Person (EU RP).
Products sold in Great Britain require a UK Responsible Person (UK RP).
The Responsible Person is responsible for:
- Product compliance
- Regulatory documentation
- Product notifications
- Communication with regulatory authorities
- Market surveillance support
Without a valid Responsible Person, products cannot legally be placed on the market.
Cosmetic Label Review
One of the most common reasons products fail regulatory review is incorrect labeling.
Our label compliance review verifies:
- Product identity
- Nominal content
- INCI ingredient list
- Responsible Person information
- Country of origin (where applicable)
- Batch number
- Period After Opening (PAO)
- Warnings and precautions
- Product function
- Language requirements
- Mandatory symbols
Even small labeling errors can delay product launches or require expensive relabeling.
Ingredient Compliance Review
Not every cosmetic ingredient permitted in one country is acceptable in another.
Our ingredient assessment reviews:
- EU prohibited ingredients
- UK restricted substances
- Annex compliance
- Preservatives
- UV filters
- Colorants
- Fragrance allergens
- Nanomaterials
Reviewing your formulation early helps avoid unnecessary reformulation costs.
Claims Substantiation
Marketing claims must comply with EU and UK cosmetic regulations.
Examples of Unsupported Claims
❌ Treats eczema
❌ Eliminates acne
❌ Prevents hair loss
❌ Heals damaged skin
❌ Medical-grade treatment
Acceptable cosmetic claims should be:
- Truthful
- Supported by evidence
- Honest
- Fair
- Non-misleading
- Consistent with product performance
A professional claims review helps ensure compliance across packaging, websites, Amazon listings, and digital marketing materials.
Product Safety Documentation
Every cosmetic product marketed in Europe must maintain appropriate regulatory documentation.
This generally includes:
- Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
- Product Information File (PIF)
- Ingredient documentation
- Manufacturing information
- Stability testing
- Microbiological quality
- Packaging compatibility
- Safety assessment
Proper documentation is essential for regulatory inspections and ongoing compliance.
Common Cosmetic Compliance Mistakes
Many cosmetic companies experience avoidable delays by:
- Skipping CPNP notification
- Forgetting SCPN notification
- Printing non-compliant labels
- Using incorrect INCI names
- Making unsupported marketing claims
- Missing a Product Information File (PIF)
- Using restricted ingredients
- Failing to appoint a Responsible Person
- Launching products before completing regulatory requirements
These issues can often be prevented through an early regulatory review.
Why Work with WER Regulatory Solutions?
Our regulatory specialists help cosmetic brands navigate complex EU and UK regulations with confidence.
Our Cosmetic Compliance Services
✔ EU CPNP Notification
✔ UK SCPN Notification
✔ EU Responsible Person (EU RP)
✔ UK Responsible Person (UK RP)
✔ Cosmetic Label Review
✔ Ingredient Compliance Assessment
✔ Claims Substantiation Review
✔ CPSR Coordination
✔ Product Information File (PIF) Support
✔ Artwork Compliance Review
✔ Regulatory Gap Analysis
✔ Amazon EU Cosmetic Compliance
✔ Shopify Cosmetic Compliance
We help cosmetic manufacturers, private-label brands, startups, and exporters achieve regulatory compliance before product launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell cosmetics in Europe without CPNP?
No. Cosmetic products must be notified through the CPNP before being placed on the EU market.
Is SCPN different from CPNP?
Yes. SCPN applies to Great Britain, while CPNP is required for the European Union.
Do I need separate Responsible Persons for the EU and UK?
Yes. Products sold in the EU require an EU Responsible Person, while products sold in Great Britain require a UK Responsible Person.
Do my labels need to be reviewed?
Absolutely. Labels must comply with EU and UK requirements, including ingredient declarations, Responsible Person information, warnings, and language obligations.
Need Help with EU & UK Cosmetic Compliance?
Whether you’re introducing your first skincare product or expanding an established beauty brand into Europe, our experts are here to help.
Our Services Include
- ✔ EU CPNP Notification
- ✔ UK SCPN Notification
- ✔ EU & UK Responsible Person Services
- ✔ Cosmetic Label Review
- ✔ Claims Substantiation Review
- ✔ Ingredient Compliance Assessment
- ✔ CPSR Support
- ✔ Product Information File (PIF) Guidance
- ✔ Regulatory Gap Analysis
- ✔ Amazon & Shopify Compliance
Ready to launch with confidence?