Regulation (EC) N° 1223/2009 on cosmetic products is the main regulatory framework for finished cosmetic products when placed on the EU market. It strengthens the safety of cosmetic products and streamlines the framework for all operators in the sector.

Manufacturers need to follow specific requirements in the preparation of a product safety report prior to placing a product on the market.

Responsible person

Only cosmetic products for which a legal or natural person is designated within the EU as a ‘responsible person’ can be placed on the market. The new cosmetics regulation allows the precise identification of the responsible person is and clearly outlines their obligations.

Manufacturers will need to notify their products only once – via the EU cosmetic products notification portal  (CPNP).

What is a cosmetic product notification?

The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is a free of charge online notification system created for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. When a product has been notified in the CPNP, there is no need for any further notification at national level within the EU.

Colourants, preservatives and UV-filters, including those that are nanomaterials, must be explicitly authorised. Products containing other nanomaterials not otherwise restricted by the cosmetics regulation will be the object of a full safety assessment at EU level if the Commission has concerns. Nanomaterials must be labelled in the list of ingredients with the word ‘nano’ in brackets following the name of the substance. 

Commission Implementing Decision 2013/674/EU of 25 November 2013 in guidelines on annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products (guidelines on the cosmetic products safety report)

Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/850 of 26 May 2021 amending and correcting Annexes II and amending Annexes III, IV and VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products.