Cosmetic Products Requirements

Companies that manufacture, import or sell cosmetic products must ensure that these products are safe for use. This is laid down in the Commodities Act Decree on Cosmetic Products 2011 (Warenwetbesluit cosmetische producten 2011), which implements the European Cosmetics Regulation.

Cosmetic products are products intended to be applied to the skin, hair, nails, lips or teeth, such as make-up, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant. Manufacturers and importers must conduct safety assessments and register products in the EU Cosmetics Portal (CPNP) before they are placed on the market.

Requirements

  • Safety assessment: A safety assessment must be carried out by a qualified person for each product
  • CPNP registration: Product must be registered in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal before placing on market
  • Product information file: Complete file with ingredients, safety assessment, manufacturing process and evidence of claims
  • Labelling: Product must be correctly labelled with ingredient list, shelf life, warnings and contact details

Procedure

  • Safety assessment: Have it carried out by qualified person (pharmacist, doctor, toxicologist)
  • Product information file: Compile with all mandatory components
  • CPNP registration: Register product online in the European CPNP system
  • Labelling: Create label according to European regulations
  • Place on market: Product may be placed on market after completion of above steps

Restrictions

  • Prohibited substances: Certain substances may not be used in cosmetics
  • Restricted substances: Some substances may only be used under conditions (e.g., maximum concentrations)
  • Animal testing: Animal testing for cosmetics is prohibited in the EU
  • Retention obligation: Product information file must be retained for 10 years after last product on market