Cosmetics Responsible Person – Who is it?

Whether you’re EU manufacturers, Non-EU manufacturers, importers or distributors, it’s important to understand who is the Cosmetics Responsible Person (RP), what they do, and what is the benefit of appointing a RP.

 Especially If you are a non-EU cosmetic company, You should consider assigning a professional Cosmetics Responsible Person to market your products quickly and smoothly.

Who is the Cosmetics Responsible Person?

The European regulation EC No. 1223/2009 defines the Cosmetics Responsible Person as a legal or natural person based in the EU who will act as the unique representative throughout the European Union. So, It is important to understand that a company must assign a Cosmetics Responsible Person to be able to market products on the EU market. And in order to establish clear responsibilities, you need only one Responsible person per product for the whole EU. Furthermore, with Brexit companies who are selling or intends to sell cosmetics in the UK market, they have to appoint also UK-based Cosmetics Responsible Person.

 Role of the Cosmetics Responsible Person

 The Cosmetics Responsible Person is responsible to ensure compliance with the requirements of the EU Cosmetic Regulations before cosmetic products placed on the market.

 The Cosmetics Responsible Person is engaged in:

• Comply with product safety, GMP guidelines, PIF, CPNP, ingredients, cosmetic labeling, claims, and communication of undesirable or serious undesirable effects
• Correct cosmetic product labeling
• Take immediate action (such as: recall / collection / disposal / withdrawal) in the event of a problem with the product
• Keep the PIF for 10 years after the product is registered
• Submit a CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) notification
• For the UK submit an SCPN (Submit a Cosmetic Product Notification)

 Who can be a Cosmetics Responsible Person?

 The responsible person can be any legal or natural person who is based within the EU and in UK for products placed in the UK Market.

 While the manufacturer is from the EU or UK usually can this role themselves, Non-European cosmetic companies cannot be a RP themselves.

 Some of the Non-European companies decide to appoint their distributor or importer as the Responsible Person, however, this method is not recommended as their regulatory expertise may not be enough to answer questions, and importantly the RP has to keep the PIF (Product File Information) secrete with it.

 Why choose an experienced & professional Cosmetics Responsible Person?  

 Having a professional Responsible Person is crucial before (even after) placing your product on the market. Here’s why you should choose a professional Responsible Person.

• Your product’s information will be up-to-date with the latest EU and UK regulations. Because your RP keep track of extensive, changing EU and UK legislation.
• Your product information will be kept secret by reliable Responsible Person.
• Complying with EU cosmetic regulations will be easier and faster as the Responsible Person’s expertise in cosmetic is wide and deep.
• The Responsible Person will remain the same even if you change your distributor
• The Responsible Person will handle any issues that might arise such as product labeling, product’s undesirable effects.
• The Cosmetics Responsible Person can answer the questions any of the different EU and UK national authorities might have.

 Cosmereg assists you with a tailored solution to your needs and fully comply with EU cosmetic regulations.

 For more information on our Responsible Person service, do not hesitate to contact our cosmetic regulatory expert!  Click here to ask a Quote.