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Overview
The Cosmetic market in the United Kingdom (UK) has undergone significant regulatory changes following Brexit. Manufacturers and importers must adhere to UK Cosmetic Regulations, which are separate from the EU Regulatory framework while continuing to meet EU requirements for Cosmetic products sold in EU countries.
Understanding the UK’s Cosmetic Regulatory Requirements
In the UK, Cosmetics are governed by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). UK mandates strict compliance with Cosmetic product registration, labeling, safety assessment, and responsible person (RP) services to ensure consumer safety and transparency.
Cosmetic companies entering the UK must navigate Regulatory complexities, including UK SCPN Cosmetics notification, Product Information Files (PIFs), Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
Local Representation: A Regulatory Mandate
To notify products in the UK, brand owners outside the UK must appoint a Responsible Person (RP) in the UK. The RP:
Manages notification via the SCPN online platform.
Ensures compliance with UK cosmetic labeling requirements and maintains PIF.
Monitors adverse reactions, evaluates safety and handles supervision under cosmetic import regulations in the UK.
How Can Freyr Help?
Achieving UK Cosmetic regulatory compliance is essential for market entry. With exclusive offices in the UK and Germany, Freyr provides end-to-end Cosmetic regulatory services in the UK, including UK Cosmetics safety assessment, UK SCPN Cosmetics notification, and Cosmetics labeling compliance in the UK. We assist businesses in achieving seamless market entry by ensuring compliance with UK Cosmetic regulations and other regulatory requirements.
Product Classification to align with a correct legislative pathway in the UK.
Product Testing Services including microbiology, dermatology (patch test), preservative efficacy, stability, and package compatibility tests.
Cosmetics Formulation Review ensuring Regulatory compliance.
Cosmetic Ingredients Review and regulatory approval of ingredients.
Cosmetics Safety Assessment Expert assessment for product safety before market entry.
UK CPSR Preparation Comprehensive Product Safety Report documentation.
UK PIF Compilation for regulatory compliance
UK SCPN Cosmetics Notification to streamline product entry.
UK Responsible Person (RP) Service for manufacturers and importers.
Cosmetics Labeling Review and Claims Review to meet UK Cosmetics labelling requirements.
Claims Substantiation for marketing compliance.
Regulatory Reports for up-to-date compliance insights.
Strategic Regulatory Consulting to support Cosmetic products safety in the UK.
Want to know if your cosmetic product is regulatory compliant?
Why Choose Freyr?
Comprehensive Regulatory services covering Cosmetic compliance consulting in the UK.
Multi-market label harmonization to ensure consistency across regions
Global partner lab network for streamlined UK Cosmetics compliance.
Experienced team across all Cosmetic categories, including skin care, hair care, oral care, and nail care.
We have exclusive offices in the UK and Germany, which allows us to act as Responsible Persons (RPs) in the UK and EU.
Cost-effective, structured approach ensuring fast market entry.
Partner with Freyr for Seamless Cosmetic Compliance in UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common queries about cosmetic product registration and compliance in the United Kingdom (UK).
01. Do I need to notify my cosmetic products before selling them in the UK?
Yes. All cosmetics must be notified on the UK’s Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) portal before being placed on the market.
02. What is a Responsible Person (RP) and do I need one?
Yes. Every cosmetic sold in the UK must have a designated Responsible Person (RP) based in the UK to ensure compliance with UK Cosmetics Regulation.
03. Can my EU Responsible Person act for the UK market too?
No. Since Brexit, you must appoint a UK-based Responsible Person separately from your EU RP.
04. What are the key labelling requirements in the UK?
Labels must include product name, ingredients (INCI), nominal content, batch number, country of origin, warnings, and Responsible Person contact details — all in English.
05. Are there banned or restricted ingredients in UK cosmetics?
Yes. The UK follows its own list of prohibited and restricted substances aligned with EU Cosmetic Regulation but updated by the UK authorities.
06. What is a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)?
A CPSR is mandatory for each cosmetic product and confirms its safety through toxicological assessment before notification and sale.
07. How does Brexit affect cosmetic compliance?
Products must be separately notified in the UK SCPN portal and comply with UK-specific labeling, RP, and reporting requirements.
08. Do I need to report adverse events related to my cosmetics?
Yes. Serious undesirable effects (SUE) must be reported by the Responsible Person to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
09. Can I sell the same product in both the EU and UK?
Yes, but you must complete separate notifications and have an RP in both the EU and the UK.
10. How can Freyr support my UK cosmetic compliance?
Freyr helps with RP services, CPSRs, product notification, labeling compliance, ingredient review, and ongoing regulatory updates.