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How to comply with the new regulations?
In the post-Brexit context, marketing cosmetics in the UK requires a thorough understanding of new regulations in force. With the end of membership of the European Union, significant changes have been made to regulatory requirements for cosmetic products. In this article, we will explore the main differences between EU and UK regulations, while providing practical advice on how to start marketing your cosmetics in the UK.
What are the main changes in the new UK regulation ?
● Registration of cosmetic products :
Before any marketing in UK, it is essential to ensure the your cosmetic products are registered in accordance with the new UK regulations. Since the Brexit, manufacturers and marketers must now register their cosmetic products with the UK's Office of Chemicals Licensing (OPC). This process guarantees that your products comply with UK safety and quality standards.
● Responsibility of the person responsible for the marketing of products :
In the UK, the person responsible for marketing products is fully in charge of its compliance. Unlike the previous European regime, where a distributor located in the EU could be appointed as the Responsible Person, it is now mandatory for the Responsible Person to be established in the UK. It is therefore crucial to establish a commercial presence or appoint an agent in the UK to take on this responsibility.
● Labeling and consumer information : UK cosmetics labeling regulations differ slightly from those in the European Union. It is important to update your labels to comply with specific UK requirements, including consumer information, ingredient lists, safety warnings and legal statements. Make sure that your labels are clear, accurate and in English, in compliance with UK requirements.
Here are some additional specifications and requirements for cosmetics labelling in the UK :
- Language : Cosmetic product labels in the UK must be written in English.
- Address of the person responsible for marketing the product : The label must include the address of the person responsible for placing the product on the market in the UK.
- Safety warnings : Specific safety warnings, in compliance with UK requirements, must be included on the label, in order to inform consumers of the precautions that need to be taken when using the product.
- Legal information: UK regulations may have additional requirements for legal information on the label, such as batch numbers, expiration dates, storage conditions, etc.
● Testing and safety assessment :
Testing and safety assessment procedures for cosmetic products in the UK remain generally aligned with European standards. However, there may be some minor differences in requirements and assessment methods. In such cases, it may be advisable to work with accredited laboratories in the UK to carry out the necessary tests and make sure that your products comply with UK safety standards.
Comparative table : Cosmetics regulations - Europe vs UK
REGULATORY ASPECT | EUROPEAN REGULATION | UK REGULATION |
Cosmetics Registration | Registration on the European Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) | Registration with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) |
Marketer’s Responsibility | Possibility of designating an EU distributor | Responsible for marketing must be established in the United Kingdom |
Labeling and Consumer | Compliance with European requirements | Specific UK labelling and consumer information requirements |
Testing and Safety Assessment | Alignment with European standards | Procedures are generally aligned with European standards, although some minor differences may exist |
Note : In both cases, it will be necessary to provide a complete PIF (Product Information File) containing, among other things, the safety assessment. However, there is no significant difference between the two regulations regarding the content of the PIF.
To conclude, the Brexit has brought some changes to the marketing of cosmetic products in the UK. To become part of this market, it is essential to understand the new UK regulations and comply with the specific requirements for registration, responsibility, labeling and safety testing.
We hope this article has given you some valuable information to get you started marketing your cosmetics in the UK. Please feel free to consult the additional resources provided by the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) for detailed and up-to-date information.
If you would like personalized support in marketing your cosmetics, don't hesitate to contact us!