United Kingdom · Cosmetics

UK Cosmetic Labelling

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

Who needs it

Brands and importers placing cosmetics on the market in the United Kingdom; Online sellers listing cosmetics for buyers in the United Kingdom

Authority

Office for Product Safety and Standards

Legal basis

Cosmetic Products Regulation as retained in UK law

Local representative

A local responsible entity or authorised representative is required

Timeline

Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks

Cost

Official fees are usually low; testing and local representation add cost

If you do not comply

Recall, import block, fines, or marketplace delisting

Who needs this

Brands and importers placing cosmetics on the market in the United Kingdom
Online sellers listing cosmetics for buyers in the United Kingdom

Documents you need

Product information file with a safety assessment
GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
Ingredient and labelling compliance review
Local notification, registration, or acknowledgement

Compliance checklist

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

Product information file with a safety assessment
GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
Ingredient and labelling compliance review
Local notification, registration, or acknowledgement

How to comply

Confirm the product is legally a cosmetic in this market
Compile the product information file and safety assessment
Complete the local notification or registration step
Check labels, warnings, and claims against local rules

Brief for your lab or agent

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

Request: UK Cosmetic Labelling — United Kingdom
Product category: Cosmetics
Authority: Office for Product Safety and Standards
Legal basis: Cosmetic Products Regulation as retained in UK law

Documents we already have:
  1. Product information file with a safety assessment
  2. GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
  3. Ingredient and labelling compliance review
  4. Local notification, registration, or acknowledgement

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under UK Cosmetic Labelling 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

Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks.

Official fees are usually low; testing and local representation add cost.

Common rejection reasons

Missing or incomplete product information file
Claims that are not supported by evidence
Label not in a required local language
Manufacturer GMP certificate missing or expired

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.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs UK Cosmetic Labelling in the United Kingdom?

Brands and importers placing cosmetics on the market in the United Kingdom. Online sellers listing cosmetics for buyers in the United Kingdom. The importer of record normally holds the evidence.

What documents do I need for UK Cosmetic Labelling?

Product information file with a safety assessment; GMP certificate for the manufacturing site; Ingredient and labelling compliance review; and local notification, registration, or acknowledgement.

What is the first step for UK Cosmetic Labelling?

Confirm the product is legally a cosmetic in this market, then compile the product information file and safety assessment. Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks.

How long does UK Cosmetic Labelling take?

Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks.

How much does UK Cosmetic Labelling cost?

Official fees are usually low; testing and local representation add cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Recall, import block, fines, or marketplace delisting.

Who regulates UK Cosmetic Labelling in the United Kingdom?

Office for Product Safety and Standards.