01245 505807

Specialist Wet Wipe & Sachet Manufacturer

UK & EU Cosmetic Regulation (1223/2009)

The Cosmetic Regulation (1223/2009 and subsequent amendments) came into force on the 11th of July 2013. When the United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020, the UK adopted their own UK Cosmetic Regulation, originating from the EU Cosmetic Regulation.

We have tried to simplify below how the regulation may effect your product. However, we do not expect you to suddenly become experts in this area and are here to help you with any queries you may have. The information we have provided you with is intended to act as a guide and therefore we recommend you may wish to seek additional legal advice regarding your own product requirements.

Is your product a cosmetic?

Further helpful links to the full current UK and EU legislation plus accompanying guidelines, can be found on the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) website under the section ‘guidance‘.

The laws apply to products intended for sale and those given away free, as this is considered to be a commerical enterprise. As always, ignorance of the law is no excuse and no defence; and the penalties for non-compliance can be severe, with heavy fines and even periods of imprisonment options open to the courts.

Below are the key areas of the regulation. Please see links for further details of what is required within each area:

Safety Assessments and Product Information Files (PIF)
The Responsible Person
Labelling & Ingredients
Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP)