Placing cosmetics on the UK market - manufacturers' and importers' obligations

How to launch a cosmetic in the UK market after brexit?

Legal changes following the UK's exit from the European Union have forced manufacturers and importers to comply with separate regulations. Placing cosmetics on the market on the UK market today requires knowledge of local regulations, documentation and the appointment of a responsible UK-based entity.

All cosmetic products placed on the market in the UK must comply with the requirements of the so-called 'Cosmetic Products Act'. UK Cosmetic Regulation, which were based on previous EU legislation, but with a number of distinctions.

Cosmetic law UK 

Cosmetic law in the UK regulates all aspects of composition, labelling, safety and product release procedures. Key responsibilities include:

• designation UK Responsible Person (UK-based responsible entity),
• carrying out safety assessments of cosmetics - safety assessment of cosmetics is mandatory before a product can be submitted to the SCPN portal,
• product notification to UK Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN),
• compliance with labelling requirements (English language, appropriate content, durability of labelling),
• preparation of PIF (Product Information File) documentation.
  

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the product not being authorised for sale or being withdrawn from the market.

How to market a cosmetic under UK regulations?

How to market a cosmeticy in the UK step by step? The first step should be to confirm that the product complies with legal requirements. Next, a full PIF (Product Information File) should be prepared, which consists of, among other things, a safety assessment report, a description of the production method and compliance with GMP (ISO 22716) or a statement on the product's effects.

The manufacturer or importer must also bear in mind that:

• products from the European Union cannot automatically be placed on the UK market without a local representative,
• The SCPN is not the same as the EU CPNP - each application must be carried out separately,
• PIF documentation must be available to the authorities on request for a period of 10 years from the date of the last delivery of the product.
  

Polish cosmetics in the UK 

An increasing number of Polish companies in the beauty sector are opting for placing cosmetics on the market in the UK. Polish cosmetics in the UK are in high demand, but export alone is not enough - it is necessary to ensure that the product complies with UK regulations.

Several elements contribute to success:

• properly prepared cosmetics research - allow the declared properties to be proven,
• correct safety assessment,
• legal etiquette and proper presentation,
• knowledge of current Office for Product Safety and Standards guidelines.
  

Registration of cosmetics on the UK market

Registration of cosmetics on the UK market takes place exclusively through the SCPN portal - registration of cosmetics is only possible after full documentation has been completed and a UK Responsible Person has been appointed.

The application procedure itself includes:

1. setting up an account via UK RP,
2. providing detailed information on the product - composition, packaging photo, contact details,
3. addition of attachments required by the portal,
4. receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt.
   

Without going through this process correctly, marketing a cosmetic in the UK is not possible.

Why use a specialised cosmetic laboratory?

Going through the procedures required by the UK on your own cosmetics law can be time-consuming and requires knowledge of the regulations and experience in interpreting them. Cooperation with a professional cosmetics laboratory significantly speeds up the process and reduces the risk of errors that could block sales.

By outsourcing the preparation of reports and documentation to specialists, you gain:

• the formal correctness of all files,
• access to qualified safety assessor,
• Support in the interpretation of current legislation and guidelines.
  

If you are wondering how to introduce a cosmetic on the market UK safely and legally - start with a solid foundation.

Do you want your products to go through the registration process without any problems? Take advantage of our specialists and visit mpr-labs.com.