Export Cosmetics to the EU

I. What are the regulations for exporting cosmetics to the EU?

Any cosmetic product coming from outside of the European Union must have:

* A Product Information File (PIF), including a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) signed by a certified Safety Assessor

* Compliant labels with the requirements of the EU Regulation 1223/2009

* A CPNP number

* A Responsible Person based in one of the EU-27

II.What are the tests required to export to the EU?

For all products, two mandatory tests will be required:

1. An accelerated stability/compatibility test of at least 3 months, including protocol, reasoning, and shelf-life conclusion, performed at 40°C for 100 days in the final packaging. The results will later need to be backed up by a real-time stability test.

2. A Challenge (PET) test according to ISO 11930:2019 is also needed, unless for:

Products that do not contain water

* Products with pH above 10 or below 3

* Products with high alcohol content (≥ 20%)

* Products that are filled at a temperature above 65°C

* Products that contain raw materials that can create a hostile environment, such as strong oxidizing agents, propellant gases, polar organic solvents etc.

* Products packed in packaging that does not allow contamination during use or single-use products.

Then, depending on the type of product, additional tests might be required, such as:

* UVB and UVA protection tests for Sun Protection products.

* Eye irritation test for products to be applied in the eye area.

* Patch test, for products using many essential oils that might be irritating.

Efficacy tests to sustain the effects claimed on the label.

III. What are the labeling requirements?

* Mandatory elements that need to appear:

* Name and address of the Responsible Person

* Nominal content

* Date of minimum duration or PAO

* Country of origin (if the product is imported into the community)

* Product function (unless it’s clear from its presentation)

* Warnings

* Batch number

* INCI list