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Cosmetics Compliance

Find an EU Responsible Person for Cosmetics

Every non-EU cosmetics brand needs an EU-established Responsible Person under Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 before entering the EU market. Submit one request — ECP connects you to RP providers experienced in CPNP notification and cosmetics compliance.

What is CPNP? →

Who needs an EU Responsible Person for cosmetics?

Any non-EU cosmetics manufacturer or brand that places products on the EU market must designate an EU-established Responsible Person under Article 4 of Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. This applies to skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrances, and all other cosmetic products sold in the EU.

The EU Responsible Person for cosmetics is different from the EC REP for medical devices. Some products marketed as 'cosmetics' (e.g., some sunscreens, anti-dandruff shampoos) may be classified as borderline products requiring additional compliance — check with your RP.

What does a Cosmetics Responsible Person do?

  • Maintain the product information file (PIF) for each cosmetic product
  • Notify the product in CPNP (Cosmetics Products Notification Portal) before market entry
  • Ensure the cosmetic product safety report (CPSR) is current and compliant
  • Handle post-market safety monitoring and report serious undesirable effects
  • Act as the point of contact for EU competent authorities

Do I need CPNP registration?

Yes. All cosmetic products sold in the EU must be notified in the CPNP before being placed on the market. The CPNP notification can only be submitted by the Responsible Person or their authorised notifier. Non-compliance results in products being refused at customs or withdrawn from the market.

CPNP notification is required before placing any cosmetic product on the EU market. Selling cosmetics in the EU without CPNP registration is illegal and products can be seized by customs.

What is included in a cosmetics Product Information File (PIF)?

The Product Information File must be maintained by the Responsible Person and made available to competent authorities on request. A complete PIF includes:

  • A description of the cosmetic product
  • The cosmetic product safety report (CPSR), prepared by a qualified safety assessor
  • A description of the method of manufacture and a declaration of GMP compliance
  • Proof of the claimed effects where justified by the nature of the claim
  • Data on animal testing status (required under EU cruelty-free rules)
  • The list of ingredients in INCI format

Most RP providers will help you prepare or review the PIF as part of their service.

How much does an EU Responsible Person for cosmetics cost?

Cosmetics RP fees typically range from €300–1,500 per year for small brands with 1–10 products. CPNP notification fees are charged additionally, usually €50–150 per product. Multi-product brands often negotiate bundle pricing — using ECP allows you to compare quotes from multiple providers before committing.

How to find an EU Responsible Person for cosmetics

  1. Confirm your products fall under Cosmetics Regulation — check that they are not classified as medicines, medical devices, or borderline products requiring a different compliance route.
  2. Prepare or commission a cosmetic product safety report (CPSR) — the RP will need this to complete CPNP notification; many RP providers can refer you to a safety assessor.
  3. Submit a request to ECP — describe your product range, number of SKUs, and target EU markets to receive proposals from RP providers with cosmetics expertise.
  4. Appoint RP and complete CPNP notification — sign the RP agreement and ensure CPNP notification is completed before your EU launch date.

Find your EU Responsible Person for Cosmetics

Submit one request to ECP and receive proposals from EU-based Responsible Person providers experienced in CPNP notification and cosmetics compliance. Free, no commitment.