United Kingdom · Cosmetics

UK Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN)

A practical guide to UK Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) for cosmetics sold in the United Kingdom: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Cosmetic products placed on the GB market; Brands, importers, and manufacturers responsible for the product

Authority

UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)

Legal basis

UK Cosmetics Regulation; Schedule 34 to the Product Safety Regulations

Local representative

A UK-based responsible person is required

Timeline

Notification must be submitted before the product goes on sale

Cost

Notification itself is low cost; safety assessment fees vary

If you do not comply

Removal from sale and enforcement action

Who needs this

Cosmetic products placed on the GB market
Brands, importers, and manufacturers responsible for the product

Documents you need

Submit Cosmetic Product Notification with product details
Product Information File
Cosmetic Product Safety Report signed by a qualified assessor
Good manufacturing practice evidence

Compliance checklist

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

Submit Cosmetic Product Notification with product details
Product Information File
Cosmetic Product Safety Report signed by a qualified assessor
Good manufacturing practice evidence

How to comply

Appoint a UK responsible person
Prepare the safety report and product information file
Submit the notification before placing the product on the market
Keep the file available for inspection

Brief for your lab or agent

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

Request: UK Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) — United Kingdom
Product category: Cosmetics
Authority: UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
Legal basis: UK Cosmetics Regulation; Schedule 34 to the Product Safety Regulations

Documents we already have:
  1. Submit Cosmetic Product Notification with product details
  2. Product Information File
  3. Cosmetic Product Safety Report signed by a qualified assessor
  4. Good manufacturing practice evidence

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under UK Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) in the United Kingdom?
  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

Notification must be submitted before the product goes on sale.

Notification itself is low cost; safety assessment fees vary.

Common rejection reasons

No UK responsible person
Safety report not signed by a qualified assessor
Notification submitted after launch

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.