UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013
The UK domestic legislation (SI 2013/1478, as amended post-Brexit) governing cosmetic product safety, requiring SCPN notification, a UK Responsible Person, and compliance with product safety standards substantially mirroring the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Following Brexit, the UK retained the substance of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) through domestic legislation. The Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 (Statutory Instrument 2013 No. 1478) was amended by the Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 to create a standalone UK regulatory framework.
The UK system closely mirrors the EU framework but with distinct requirements: products must be notified through the UK's Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) portal rather than the EU's CPNP, and a UK-based Responsible Person must be designated (an EU Responsible Person is not sufficient for the UK market).
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) enforces cosmetics regulations in the UK, replacing the role previously held by EU member state competent authorities. The UK maintains its own versions of the ingredient annexes, which initially mirrored the EU lists but may diverge over time as the UK makes independent regulatory decisions.
Northern Ireland follows specific rules under the Windsor Framework, where products placed on the Northern Ireland market must comply with both UK and EU requirements.
Related Terms
Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN)
The UK government's online portal for notifying cosmetic products sold in Great Britain, managed by OPSS. It serves as the UK's post-Brexit equivalent of the EU's CPNP, requiring product and responsible person details before market placement.
OrganizationOffice for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
The UK government body within the Department for Business and Trade responsible for enforcing cosmetics regulations post-Brexit, including oversight of the SCPN notification system and market surveillance of cosmetic products sold in Great Britain.
ProcessResponsible Person
An entity established within the EU (or UK for the GB market) who is legally responsible for ensuring a cosmetic product complies with the Cosmetics Regulation. The Responsible Person maintains the PIF, submits CPNP/SCPN notifications, and reports serious undesirable effects.
RegulationEU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009)
The primary European Union law governing cosmetic products, establishing requirements for safety assessment, CPNP notification, responsible person designation, ingredient restrictions (Annexes II-VI), labeling, and post-market surveillance across all EU/EEA member states.
See how Cosmetica automates compliance
Replace manual regulatory work with AI-powered automation — from ingredient screening to submission filing.