European Union · Cosmetics

EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009

A practical guide to EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 for cosmetics sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Cosmetic products placed on the EU market; Importers and brands selling into the EU

Authority

European Commission and national competent authorities

Legal basis

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

Local representative

Yes — a responsible person established in the EU is required

Timeline

Complete before placing the product on the market

Cost

Responsible person, safety assessment, and testing fees vary by provider

If you do not comply

Withdrawal from the market, recalls, and national penalties

Who needs this

Cosmetic products placed on the EU market
Importers and brands selling into the EU

Documents you need

Product Information File (PIF)
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
CPNP notification record

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Product Information File (PIF)
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
CPNP notification record

How to comply

Appoint an EU responsible person
Build the PIF and CPSR
Notify the product in CPNP
Check labeling and claims

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 — European Union
Product category: Cosmetics
Authority: European Commission and national competent authorities
Legal basis: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

Documents we already have:
  1. Product Information File (PIF)
  2. Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
  3. CPNP notification record

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Complete before placing the product on the market.

Responsible person, safety assessment, and testing fees vary by provider.

Common rejection reasons

No EU responsible person
Missing or unsigned CPSR
Restricted substances above allowed limits

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.