The UK Cosmetic Regulations were first introduced in 1978 and have undergone several revisions since then, with the most recent being after Brexit in 2021. The current version of this regulation is based on the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Union, and includes additional requirements for the United Kingdom. The UK Cosmetic Regulations cover a wide range of topics, including product safety, labeling, and advertising, and the complete version can be found on the UK government website.

SCNP Notification

In the UK, all cosmetics must be notified in the Cosmetic Bulletin (SCPN) before being put on the market, providing detailed information about the product, including its ingredients and intended use.

For cosmetics that have not yet been notified on CPNP and have been launched in the UK market after December 31, 2020, they must be notified on the SCPN service in the UK before they can be launched in the UK market.

1. In what situations do I need to register for SCPN?

If you want to provide cosmetics to consumers in the UK (GB: England, Scotland, and Wales), you must use the Submit Cosmetics Notification Service to notify your cosmetics.

According to Annex 34 of the UK Product Safety and Metrology Regulations 2019, the online notification system is called SCPN (Submission of Cosmetic Product Notices) and began operating on January 1, 2021.

2. What is cosmetics

Cosmetics refer to any substance or mixture intended to come into contact with external parts of the human body (skin, epidermis, hair system, nails, lips, and reproductive organs), or with the mouth, teeth, or mucous membranes. Its primary purpose is to clean, fumigate, alter or protect appearance, maintain its good condition, or correct body odor.

3. Who can submit SCPN registration?

The cosmetics "person in charge" can submit notifications (i.e. your English representative).

The responsible person who must be established in the UK can be:

·Manufacturer

·Importer

·Distributors, if they label the product as their own (e.g. using their brand name)

·Designated company or individual (authorized by manufacturer or importer)

Who can become responsible persons for cosmetics?

·Cosmetic manufacturers (within the UK)

·Importer (within the UK)

·Distributors (within the UK)

·Third parties or companies (within the UK) who accept this role in writing

Each cosmetic product launched in the UK market requires a designated person in charge, and each product in the entire EU can only have one person in charge, while each product in the UK can only have one person in charge.

Therefore, the responsible person must provide or ensure the following:

a. At a registered address in the UK, even 10 years after the last batch of products were launched on the market, the local authorities can easily access product information files for inspection in a language that is easy for the authorities to understand.

b. The Product Information File (PIF) complies with regulations, the product is produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and has undergone safety assessments.

c. Product declaration confirmation.

d. Correct cosmetic labels.

e. SCPN notification for cosmetics.

f. Report any adverse or serious adverse effects to the competent authorities.

g. If the product does not comply with UK regulations, the seller shall take any appropriate measures, including recalling, removing the product, or taking corrective measures to ensure that the product meets the requirements. At the request of the competent department, the responsible person must cooperate with the seller to eliminate the risks brought by the cosmetics they are responsible for.

4. Materials required for SCPN registration:

·Category and name of cosmetics

·Name of person in charge

·Location to save product information file (PIF)

·Detailed information of designated contacts for emergency queries

·Detailed information on any nanomaterials contained in cosmetics

·Detailed information on any carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic (CMR) substances contained in cosmetics

·Chemical details of substances

·Summary of ingredients

·Image of product label

·Photos of cosmetic packaging

Product Information File PIF:

The product information file PIF is a cosmetic file, and the responsible person must keep an English PIF for all of their cosmetics. PIF includes:

·Description of cosmetics

·Product Safety Report

·How to follow good production practices

·Evidence of cosmetic effects

PIF must be stored for 10 years after the last batch of cosmetics is launched.

Cosmetic Safety Report CPSR:

Before providing cosmetics to consumers, their safety must be checked by a qualified safety assessor. The cosmetic product safety report forms a part of the PIF.

The two parts of a cosmetic product safety report are:

·Cosmetic safety information (Part A). This is provided by the person in charge

·Cosmetic Safety Assessment (Part B). This is provided by the security assessor

Cosmetic labels:

Cosmetic labels must be easy to read. Containers and any packaging must be labeled with:

·Name and address of the person in charge

·If the product is imported to the UK, it is the country of origin

·Weight or volume

·The date when cosmetics can be used

·Precautions for use

·Identification number (e.g. batch number)

·The role of cosmetics

·Ingredients - These can be provided separately on the packaging. Note that the composition of nanomaterials must be followed by '(nano)'

If it is not possible to list some of these elements on the label, they can also be mentioned on accompanying or attached flyers, labels, tapes, labels, or cards. In this case, an open book symbol should be placed on the label, indicating that some information about the product can be found elsewhere.

The labels and advertisements of cosmetics shall not imply that they possess characteristics or functions that they do not possess.

5. What are the consequences of not registering?

If you do not register with SCPN, it is highly likely that your product will be detained by customs, and you may face fines and up to 3 months of imprisonment. This fine may be unlimited in England and Wales, and as high as £ 5000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Finally, it is extremely important to keep records of the entire process of cosmetic compliance in the UK, including product testing, labeling, and notification records. If you have undergone an audit or investigation, good records will help prove the compliance of the product. If you need to apply for SCNP registration for related cosmetics, you can contact the staff of Shenzhen CNQI Inspection Agency to obtain detailed cost quotations and cycle information!