Checklist for Exporting Cosmetics to European Union (EU) 

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This checklist helps  you to assess the progress of your exporting initiative or to get a snapshot of the entire process of exporting cosmetics to the EU

 

Consider these points before you plan to export your cosmetic products to the European Union.

 

  • Cosmetics are, by definition “any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours” Make sure your product falls in this definition.
  • The product must be notified to the EU’s CPNP portal. The national reports in the respective member states are not required.
  • Keep a product information file (PIF), that contains all the information about the cosmetic product, including the formulation, information on the manufacturing process of the product, raw material data and its impurities, packaging data, data on stability, microbiology and shelf life, data regarding claims, animal test data, GMP evidence and, of particular importance, the safety assessment according to Appendix 1 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
  • Mandatory requirements of Labelling of the product such as name and purpose, nominal content, list of ingredients, shelf life, batch, and the address of the responsible person in the EU. Statements about the product be made in the national language of the respective country. Certain products, such as aerosols, hair colour and sunscreen, require additional notices and warnings.
  • Your product Claims must be made with care and should be backed with data and proof. Avoid making general statements.
  • The responsible person/importer must have a registered office in the EU. The responsible person must ensure that the required obligations of the Cosmetics Regulations are complied.
  • According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, testing on animals is prohibited, both with the finished product and with the raw materials used.
  • GMP compliance. Good manufacturing practice means guidelines for quality assurance of the production processes and environment in the production of cosmetics