CERT provides specialist regulatory and technical support across all product sectors, including cosmetics. We help businesses navigate complex EU and UK requirements with clarity and confidence. Interested in tailored support? Register your project interest so we can arrange a complimentary call with the relevant regulatory professional in our team.
Cosmetics in the EU is driven by innovation and a strong EU regulatory framework that underpins market access, trade, and harmonisation across Member States. This framework is also mirrored in UK law and sets consistent expectations for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners placing cosmetic products on the market.

What counts as a cosmetic

A cosmetic is any substance or mixture intended for application to the external parts of the human body—such as skin, hair, nails, lips, and external genitalia—or to teeth and oral mucous membranes. Cosmetics are primarily intended to: clean, perfume, alter appearance, correct body odours, or to protect or maintain the body in good condition. Chemicals used in cosmetics do not need to comply with the general chemical legislation if they instead meet the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The definition here is vital, as it determines the necessary labelling for product composition.

Core obligations include:

• Definition: The product must fit the definition of a cosmetic.

• Responsible Person (RP) & Safety: A designated RP guarantees each product is safe and compliant.

• Ingredients: Ingredients must be compliant with regulatory restrictions and prohibitions.

• Good Manufacturing Practice: Products must be manufactured under GMP.

• Documentation: Maintain a Product Information File (PIF) with all mandatory technical documentation, including the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR).

• Labelling: Ensure all required information is indelible, legible, and visible.

• Claims: Claims must be truthful and not misrepresent product functions.

• Notification: Notify each cosmetic in the EU via the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) & Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) in the UK before market entry.

• Adverse Effects: Report any serious undesirable effects quickly to relevant authorities.

• Market Surveillance: Regulatory authorities may inspect, with the RP required to present complete technical files as needed.

Markings and information

All cosmetic products sold in the EU and UK must display Name and address of the Responsible Person (EU RP or UK RP, depending on market), Country of origin for imported products (for the UK, “Made in the EU” is not acceptable – the specific country must be given), Nominal content (weight or volume) in grams or millilitres, Date of minimum durability (“Best used before …”) or Period After Opening (PAO) symbol where appropriate, Batch/lot number or other traceability code, Function of the product, unless it is obvious from presentation and use full ingredients list using International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names, helping consumers identify allergens and sensitising substances, and Any warnings, precautions for use, and specific conditions of use required by the Regulation or Annexes. Ingredients must comply with applicable restrictions, including lists of prohibited or limited substances, plus specific rules for preservatives, UV filters, and colourants. The central technical document is the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), based on a robust toxicological assessment and product formulation review.

How we can help

CERT provides specialist regulatory and technical support to cosmetic brands, manufacturers, and importers operating in the EU and UK. We review and validate CPSRs and labelling, compile Product Information Files, and can act as your appointed Responsible Person where required.

We also support CPNP and UK SCPN registrations, and provide practical advice on allergens, microbeads, and emerging compliance trends, alongside day‑to‑day labelling and layout guidance.

With tailored, end‑to‑end solutions, CERT helps you launch cosmetics that are safe, compliant, and ready for market – backed by clear documentation and expert support.