EU Cosmetics Compliance — CPSR, PIF & CPNP Explained
Every cosmetic product sold in the EU requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), a Product Information File (PIF), and notification on the EU CPNP portal under Regulation EU 1223/2009. Eldris provides all three as a done-for-you service: £195 per product, £39.95 per variation, with a 3–7 business day turnaround.
The Three Components of EU Cosmetics Compliance
Quick Answer: The Three Components of EU Cosmetics Compliance
EU 1223/2009 requires three distinct deliverables before a cosmetic product can legally be sold in the EU. Each serves a different regulatory function. All three are mandatory — missing any one makes your product illegal to sell.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
The CPSR is a formal safety assessment of your product's formulation. A qualified safety assessor reviews every ingredient, concentration, and potential interaction against EU safety standards. This is the most substantive part of the process and cannot be automated — EU law requires a qualified human assessor.
The CPSR confirms your product is safe for its intended use and identifies any restrictions or warnings that must appear on labelling.
Product Information File (PIF)
The PIF is the complete documentation package for your product. It includes the CPSR, your product description, manufacturing method, evidence of claimed effects, and animal testing data. Your EU Responsible Person holds the PIF and makes it available to authorities on request.
CPNP Notification
Before placing your product on the EU market, you must notify it on the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal. This is an EU Commission database that poison centres and market surveillance authorities use to identify products. Your EU Responsible Person submits the notification on your behalf.
Who Needs EU Cosmetics Compliance?
Any business selling cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrance, makeup, or personal care products to EU customers. This applies to brands selling through Amazon, Shopify, direct-to-consumer websites, retail distribution, or any other channel reaching EU consumers.
The requirement is not limited to large brands. A single-product indie skincare brand selling into one EU country has the same legal obligations as a multinational cosmetics company.
If you are based outside the EU, you additionally need an EU Responsible Person appointed specifically for cosmetics under EU 1223/2009.
Do I Also Need an EU Responsible Person?
Yes, if your business is based outside the EU. The EU Responsible Person for cosmetics holds your PIF, manages your CPNP notifications, and acts as the regulatory contact. This is a separate appointment from the GPSR EU Responsible Person for general goods.
Eldris handles both. If you sell cosmetics and general goods, we bundle the appointments. Your EU Responsible Person for cosmetics costs £195 one-time per country, the same as for general goods. See the EU Responsible Person service.
What Does EU Cosmetics Compliance Cost?
Eldris charges £195 per product (per unique formula) and £39.95 per variation. A variation is a product that shares the same base formula but differs in shade, fragrance, or size — such as a lipstick range with one formula and multiple colours.
Example: a moisturiser range with 1 formula and 5 shades costs £195 + (4 × £39.95) = £354.80. The first shade is included in the product fee; additional shades are variations.
Most cosmetics compliance consultancies charge by the hour with no fixed quote. Many charge £500 or more per product with no certainty on timeline. Eldris charges a fixed fee — you know exactly what you pay before you start. Full pricing breakdown.
How Long Does Cosmetics Compliance Take?
Cosmetics compliance with Eldris takes 3–7 business days. The timeline reflects the safety assessment process — a qualified assessor reviews your product formulations, and this human review cannot be shortened without compromising quality or legality.
You provide your formulation details and product information through the Eldris agent or directly via the cosmetics onboarding portal. We handle the CPSR, compile the PIF, and submit the CPNP notification on your behalf.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for complex EU directives.